Loddon still in title race

With two games to go, Loddon are still in the Norfolk League title race. They entertain fourth-placed Caister tomorrow, followed by a visit to second-bottom side Rollesby.

They achieved a superb Division One victory over Kirkley, which showed what a great team they are - or can be - on their day.

They were not really in the game until the last 10 overs, securing a relatively comfortable win by 33 runs.

After much deliberation, the game was started on time, on a wet and sticky wicket.

Loddon won the toss and controversially decided to bat, searching for maximum points in an effort to keep the pressure on Winterton in the race for the title.

The Kirkley bowlers did well, giving the Loddon batsman no width or room to attack. At the halfway stage Loddon were only 36-3 off 22 overs with the pick of the bowlers being J Holmes who completed his spell of 12 overs for only 10 runs.

His opening partner, L Capkin, finished his nine overs with 2-19. Of the top order, only Rowson made it into double figures with 20.

It was only when long-term injury-case Andy Baker made his return to the crease after fighting back from a broken leg that Loddon's innings received some impetus.

He rallied the lower order of Clements (10) and his brother, Chris Baker (16), to help Loddon limp over the 100-mark and post a score of 114, with the battler Andy Baker finishing on an unbeaten 28.

The target never looked enough and after 20 overs, Kirkley Sports were well on the way on 52-2.

But this Loddon side is a resilient, tough team and heads never went down.

Instead they fought back, and with in-form spinner Mark Stewart they knew they were in with a chance.

Stewart bowled another great spell, finishing with 4-22, supported at the other end by David Debenham, who snared 3-3.

Loddon really turned the screw and Kirkley collapsed to 81 all out off only 33 overs.

Under intense Loddon pressure, they lost the last eight wickets for only 25 runs.

Loddon have a 19.82 average to Winterton's 21.42.

Loddon 114-7 (A Baker 28, T Rowson 20; Tuttle 3-38, Cross 2-28, Capkin 2-35).

Kirkley Sports 81 (V Parker 22, G Tuttle 22; M Stewart 4-22, D Debenham 3-3).

Loddon won by 33 runs.

Loddon Garden and Seed MoM: Mark Stewart and David Debenham.