Ashmanhaugh battled well but lost out to Mundford in the Mid Norfolk Cricket League Broke Cup final by four wickets.It took a whirlwind innings of 41 runs scored off just 17 balls by man-of-the-match Paul Norman, of Mundford, to secure the victory.

Ashmanhaugh battled well but lost out to Mundford in the Mid Norfolk Cricket League Broke Cup final by four wickets.

It took a whirlwind innings of 41 runs scored off just 17 balls by man-of-the-match Paul Norman, of Mundford, to secure the victory.

Ashmanhaugh won the toss and elected to bat on a true Sprowston pitch. However, early wickets by Mike Leeder 2-26 and Peter Brassett 4-18 snuffed out any hopes that Ashmanhaugh had of amassing a huge total.

Danny Flint (18) and Joey Siddle (20) promised much but fell just as they looked ready to launch a serious assault on the Mundford attack.

Bernie Everett (11) produced his typical gritty, battling innings but was bowled in a flurry around the stumps.

However, his son, Jordan Everett (8no) produced a stylish and authoritive display to hold together the innings at the lower end. Ashmanhaugh were all out for 118 with just two balls left of their allotted 40 overs.

It was a fascinating battle between bat and ball and Mundford started in very much the same vein as Ashmanhaugh; losing quick early wickets. Then young Joe Oakey (40no) came to the wicket and steadied the Mundford ship.

His batting was stylish, correct and a joy to watch and he put the backbone into his side and watchfully built the fightback.

Then came the moment that set the crowd alight. Paul Norman strode to the wicket and took the game by the scruff of the neck and bludgeoned 41 runs from just 17 balls.

It was a magnificent display and provided the icing on the cake for what had been a fascinating day's cricket. He was out when the job was done and the scores were level.

After the match, Mid-Norfolk Sunday League President, Colin King, said: 'Often it is the low-scoring matches that produce the greatest excitement, and so it proved today. Joe Oakey of Mundford and Jordan Everett of Ashmanhaugh are brilliant young talents and ones to watch.'