Batch stars in victory over Norfolk

DARREN Batch starred with bat and ball as Suffolk defeated Norfolk by 17 runs to stay on course to qualify for the quarter-finals of this season’s NCCA Trophy.

Batch scored an unbeaten 64 off 49 balls and then took two wickets, including the prize scalp of opener Sam Arthurton, who top-scored with 55 for the hosts.

The Sudbury all-rounder’s efforts enabled Suffolk to secure a hard-fought victory in Sunday’s match at Manor Park, and so head into their final Group 3 fixture with their destiny in their own hands.

After an hour-and-a-half delay due to some wet patches on the outfield, Suffolk lost the toss and were put into bat in a match reduced to 47 overs-a-side.

They made a dreadful start, losing four wickets for 29 runs inside the opening seven overs, with some poor shot selection contributing to their own downfall.

Suffolk professional Joe Gatting, who plays his club cricket for Norfolk side Swardeston, was joined by Ben Shepperson in a fifth-wicket partnership of 73 spanning 24 overs.

Both were out stumped, Shepperson for 31 and Gatting for 54 off 99 deliveries, before Batch guided the visitors to 211 for 8, striking three sixes and three fours.

Together with Darren Ironside, whose 22 came off 18 balls, Batch added 55 in 6.2 overs to give the innings real impetus in the closing stages.

Norfolk’s openers put on 49 before Shepperson produced a direct hit with an under arm throw to run out Tom New off the last ball of the 15^th over.

Suffolk’s bowlers held their nerve as Tom Rash claimed 3 for 24 and skipper Jack Beaumont 3 for 41, while Batch weighed in with 2 for 38.

As the run-rate escalated Steve Marillier kept Norfolk’s hopes alive with some lusty blows, which included three sixes in his 39 off 54 deliveries, before he was safely held on the wide long on boundary by Josh Cantrell.

Ironside’s return throw to Adam Mansfield saw Andy Hanby run out off the last ball of the innings as Norfolk were dismissed for 194.

Suffolk’s final group game is against Hertfordshire at Sudbury CC on Sunday, when a win will guarantee their place in the knock-out stages.

Essex 2^nd XI will host Suffolk in a 50-over friendly at Chelmsford the following day.

Norfolk v Suffolk scorecard:

https://www.play-cricket.com/website/results/4653496

Words and Photograph Nick Garnham

Tags: Darren Batch, Darren Ironside, Jack Beaumont, Joe Gatting, Josh Cantrell, Suffolk CCC, Tom Rash

Categorised in: Suffolk CCC