Thetford Halted By Haddenham

LITTLE Thetford s fine run of form was brought to an abrupt end on Saturday thanks to yet another fine bowling display from Haddenham. Thetford have been in imperious form in recent weeks, winning four of their last five matches, but found themselves pow

LITTLE Thetford's fine run of form was brought to an abrupt end on Saturday thanks to yet another fine bowling display from Haddenham.

Thetford have been in imperious form in recent weeks, winning four of their last five matches, but found themselves powerless to resist a rampaging Haddenham side who have taken the league by storm so far this season.

Opting to bat first on what was an ideal scoring track, Haddenham set about building a sizeable total, and the sterling work of Geoff Buck (49) and Neil Smith (55) proved key as the visitors sought to dictate the pace.

Keen not to be drawn into playing expansive strokes early on, Haddenham's batsmen carried an impregnable air, emerging from their crease only to dispatch any ill-placed deliveries.

With wickets in had as the game moved into its later stages, Gary Thistlethwaite (31) and Johnny Lee (38) came to the fore, and their good work was ultimately rewarded as the score passed the key 200 mark.

Though they only managed to take four wickets, Thetford plugged away with a commendable grit and were unlucky not to make further inroads in to the Haddenham line-up as a number of catches went down. Hughie Nash's 2-56 proved the highlight for the home side.

Knowing that five runs-per-over was required for victory, Thetford sought to push the pace, but they were ill-prepared to deal with a veritable barrage from Mel Prior (4-18) and Chris Hughes (3-8) as Haddenham tore into the top order.

A cameo of 23 from Mick Watson gave the home side some hope, but it wasn't to be as Haddenham cruised to their fifth win in succession.