Hales entertained Beccles in the Norfolk Alliance Division One derby on Saturday in what was expected to be a closely-fought match, especially after the superb result Beccles had the previous week against Swardeston.

Hales entertained Beccles in the Norfolk Alliance Division One derby on Saturday in what was expected to be a closely-fought match, especially after the superb result Beccles had the previous week against Swardeston. The honours went to Hales, winners by 48 runs.

The Hales team were more balanced than in previous weeks due to the return of several players.

Steve Rowe the Hales captain lost the toss and was asked to bat first.

Chris Hlengani and Chris Andersen opened and cautiously put on 42 before Andersen was bowled for 18. Hlengani saw three quick wickets fall before he was caught for 36, making the score 107 for five.

With the combinations of Rob Andersen (52), Aaron Jones (22) and Jon Vale (16) the score moved at a greater pace, rising to 77 before the loss of the seventh wicket.

Rob Andersen batted assuredly for his 52 until he was bowled by Turrell.

Steve Rowe came in at No 9 and looked very comfortable for his 15 not out, but with the quick loss of Nos 10 and 11 Hales were unable to reach the target of full batting points, endng their innings on 214 all out.

In the field Hales kept on top of the Beccles batsmen with very accurate bowling from all their bowlers, and energetic fielding from all when needed.

Beccles wickets fell at regular intervals, and when well behind the run rate they looked to shut up shop to at least get a losing draw.

Rowe then brought himself on to bowl his slower deliveries to entice the batsmen and buy a few wickets, which worked with great effect as he finished with three for 37 off seven overs.

Beccles were all out for 166 with Hales securing a much-deserved win and 24 points to Beccles' seven.

The Read Bros man-of-the-match award went to Rob Andersen for his all-round performance with bat and ball.

Hales: C Hlengani c George b Ruddock 36, C Andersen b George 18, P Squire lbw Ross, D Andersen c Ruddock b George 6, M Lindsay b Ross 6, R Andersen b Turrell 52, A Jones c Porter b Ruddock 22, J Vale b Fisher 16, S Rowe not out 15, M Lovick b Fisher 1, N Pearce b Fisher 5. Total 214. Bowling: D Turrell 11-3-36-1, M Fisher 9.3-3-38-3, D George 4-1-33-2, K Ross 13-1-58-2, I Ruddock 10-1-36-2.

Beccles: R C Porter lbw M Lovick 9, R Turrell lbw M Lovick 25, K Ross c C Andersen b C Hlengani 37, R J Porter b S Rowe 12, R Clemence c C Andersen b N Pearce 19, A Sydenham lbw S Rowe 0, D Turrell st C Andersen b C Hlengani 1, I Ruddock c C Andersen b R Andersen 4, D George st C Andersen b S Rowe 29, M Fisher c-b R Andersen 7, G Wright not out 2. Total 166. Bowling: R Andersen 11-4-22-2, M Lovick 13-2-46-2, N Pearce 7.4-0-32-1, C Hlengani 11-4-19-2, S Rowe 7-1-37-3.