Good start to the season continues for Thetford Town CC
- Credit: Matthew Usher
Thetford Town have consolidated their place at the top of Division Three of the Norfolk Cricket Alliance thanks to a winning draw at Hardingham.
Liam Conroy’s side returned from the short trip to Hardingham with 17 league points, to stay three points clear of Sprowston A at the top of the table.
Thetford were put into bat and saw the pair of Andy Kerling (2) and Mick Piggott (16) removed in quick fashion by Fletcher and Scott.
Piggott found himself feeling aggrieved by a decision that could have been given as a no-ball on another day.
With Thetford struggling on 26-2 after nine overs Ryan Conroy joined Liam Conroy at the crease and the pair were broken quickly with Ryan being unfortunately given out LBW for 0.
Hardingham seemed to have the visitors under the cosh until a brilliant partnership between Neil Lockwood and Liam Conroy of 87 when the visitors really needed it.
Lockwood departed for 44 off 40 balls but Conroy continued to hang around and push the score along with another in-form batsman, Alex Dennis (55), who again scored another brilliant run-a-ball 50 to put on 92 for the fifth wicket.
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Conroy was bowled by Fletcher for 72 in the 41st over with Thetford 206-5. Ray Smeed (10no) and Craig Baulch (14) pushed along the score for Thetford to finish on 239-8.
Hardingham found it very difficult to put the Thetford attack under any sort of pressure with Craig Baulch (11 overs 1-26) and the debutant Joe Hills (nine overs 1-34) bowling in good areas.
Hardingham were a long way behind the required run rate and Hills gained his first wicket for the first team in his third over, trapping Downes for three.
Matt Terry (10 overs 2-57) was brought into the attack and made an instant impact bowling B Scott for 35 with an unplayable delivery.
Hardingham began to attack Thetford with the match running away from them and Fletcher provided some resistance with 24 before Neil Lockwood (five overs 1-15) bowled him.
Fowle stuck around for the hosts but Dan Phelps had him caught behind from a smart bit of work from Ray Smeed for 41.
With Hardingham 138-6 with seven overs left Thetford began to attack but couldn’t gain any further wickets and Hardingham finished on 183-6.
