Suffolk end T20 campaign without a win
May 6, 2024SUFFOLK ended their 2024 T20 campaign without a win after back-to-back fixtures over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Norfolk defeated Suffolk by 27 runs and 17 runs in the two matches at Sprowston CC on Sunday, before Lincolnshire won by eight runs in the opening game at Ipswich School on Monday.
Just eight overs’ play were possible in the second match before rain caused it to be abandoned, leaving Suffolk with a record of three losses and three abandoned matches from their six fixtures.
Suffolk therefore failed to qualify for the Super 12s stage in a fortnight’s time, and now turn their attention to the NCCA Trophy, and a home match versus Staffordshire at Mildenhall CC on Sunday, start 11am.
Suffolk opener Ben Parker, who top-scored in both innings at Norfolk and scored 131 runs in four knocks, admitted it had been a frustrating T20 campaign.
He said: “Over the past few years we have not been very strong in these T20 games and I don’t think we have made much progress this year either.
“At least we played a bit better today and with the batting there at the end it looked like we were in a good position, so hopefully that is a sign of taking some momentum into the 50-over competition next week.”
Sunday’s double-header at Sprowston CC was overshadowed by a sickening collision between Norfolk fielders Josh Cobb and Freddie Fairey, who ran into each other trying to catch a lofted straight drive from Parker.
Both players suffered facial injuries, including losing teeth, and had to be taken to hospital by ambulance, although they were later released.
In the first match Norfolk skipper Sam Arthurton’s undefeated 80 off 51 balls underpinned their 161 for 3, with Parker scoring 41 in Suffolk’s reply of 134 for 9.
Norfolk were 98 for 5 from 16 overs in the second match, but then plundered 56 runs from the final four overs, including 23 from Mark Smith’s last over, to post 154 for 6.
Parker contributed 31, but only some late blows from Tom Harper (19 off 15) and Dan Shanks (30 off 17) gave Suffolk’s reply some respectability.
Against Lincolnshire on Monday, Joe Pocklington struck a four and a six off the final two deliveries which proved vital in the visitors’ 166 for 5 as he closed on 45 not out off 29 balls.
Alex Maynard, promoted to open in the absence of Jack Beaumont, smashed 43 off just 18 balls and put on 63 with Parker in only five overs before both were run out in the space of four balls.
Although Tom Rash ended undefeated on 30 from 24 deliveries, Suffolk finished nine runs shy of victory on 158 for 7.
Parker (26 off 21) and Maynard (43 off 20) then thrashed 71 off six overs in the second match and Suffolk were well-placed at 84 for 2 when rain caused the game to be abandoned.
Ben Parker is pictured above batting versus Lincolnshire at Ipswich School.
Scorecards
Suffolk v Lincolnshire – Match 1
Suffolk v Lincolnshire – Match 2
Tags: Alex Maynard, Ben Parker, Ipswich School, Lincolnshire, NCCA T20, Norfolk, Sprowston CC
Categorised in: Suffolk CCC