Suffolk celebrating Men’s 2nd XI success

September 2, 2026

SUFFOLK are celebrating their first Men’s 2nd XI title for nearly 20 years.

They were confirmed as winners of the East of England Development League after their final match at Essex was abandoned due to the weather.

Suffolk, who won three and lost one of their other four fixtures, last won the title back in 2007. That team included Martyn Cull and Tom Rash, who both went on to enjoy stellar Minor Counties careers for Suffolk.

The county finished top of the league this season thanks to a net run-rate of 0.71, compared to runners-up Cambridgeshire’s 0.41, after both counties finished on seven points.

Suffolk Cricket’s Performance Cricket Manager Ben Wallis said: “Winning the league is a great achievement, and something all involved players and coaches should be very proud of.

“We faced some very strong sides throughout the competition, so coming out on top shows what a great group of young players we have within the county.

“We last won this competition nearly 20 years ago, so it is nice to bring silverware home and to celebrate this success.”

Wallis praised coaches Ben Parker and James Sturgeon, who led the squad throughout this summer’s programme.

He said the highlight of the season was the five-run victory over Norfolk at Woolpit CC a fortnight ago.

Suffolk, batting first after winning the toss, posted 337 for 5 in their 50 overs, with openers Alex Maynard (33 off 19) and Nico Boje (30 off 42) putting on 51 in just 5.5 overs.

Archie Jones of Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury’s Ned Overbury then put on 190 for the fourth wicket in just 31.1 overs, Jones (pictured above) scoring a run-a-ball undefeated 119 and Overbury 99 off 90 deliveries.

Norfolk fell just short, replying with 332 for 8, Barney Moreton making 119, before falling to Archie Miller, who had earlier contributed a quickfire 28 off 14 at the end of Suffolk’s innings.

Boje (2 for 43) and Finley Jones (2 for 49) were the most successful Suffolk bowlers.

Eight members of the Suffolk side featured for the 1st XI at some stage of the season across the three different formats, with Freddie Cloud playing regularly throughout.

Maynard, who scored 160 in the 2nd XI win versus Bedfordshire, and Boje opened in the final NCCA Cluberly Championship match of the campaign at Staffordshire, compiling two century partnerships.

Wallis added: “Personally I believe that this success demonstrates a true pathway from County Age Group (CAG) players to the Men’s 1st XI.

“The majority of the 2nd XI team members are products of the (CAG) programme and are therefore looking to break into the 1st XI side on a regular basis in the coming years, which is exciting for us.”

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