THE reigning Norfolk Alliance champions Downham visited Norton Warnes. Cromer achieved an excellent winning draw earlier in the season at Downham and hoped for much of the same on their own ground.

THE reigning Norfolk Alliance champions Downham visited Norton Warnes. Cromer achieved an excellent winning draw earlier in the season at Downham and hoped for much of the same on their own ground. However, they were beaten by 103 runs.

With the threat of rain, the captains agreed to 46 overs per side. The visitors were put into bat.

Tulett's big hitting helped Downham reach 39-2 from just five overs, Rayno Arendse getting Barnard and Phangiso cheaply.

Al Stuart and Tulett put on 50 before Charlwood got Tulett four short of his half-century. At the halfway stage Downham were 103-4.

Lanchester and Angus Stuart had put on 42 when Stuart (28) was dismissed lbw by Elliott. Although wickets were falling, the visitors were moving towards a competitive score.

Joss Stuart with a handy 28 not out guided Downham to 205-8. Richard Charlwood finished with 3-37. Warnes and Arendse both picked up two wickets.

Arendse and Davies got Cromer off to a steady start, but when Davies was out lbw to Todd, five more wickets fell and from 12 overs Cromer were 33-6.

Good double-figure con-tributions from Elliott 15, Buck 16, Liam Davies 12 and Lithins 10 helped prevent a very embarrassing defeat. Their resistance could only last so long and Downham secured a convincing victory in the 28th over - Gregg Tulett 5-22 and Addam Todd 4-44.

Cromer on Saturday entertain Norwich & Coltishall Wanderers, the start of Cromer Cricket Week.

Sunday is the game against the President's XI; Monday, Huncote are the visitors; Tuesday is yet to be confirmed. Wednesday sees Dean Elliott captaining a select XI against a Cromer team, the match in memory of Tony Lawes. St Margretsbury return to the Norton Warnes on Thursday followed by youth cricket on Friday. Next weekend sees two second team matches against Norwich Union and Cringleford.

Cromer CC have been given a grant by Awards for All to help fund the development of youth cricket. Nets, junior bats, helmets, balls, coaching mats. Kwik cricket sets are among items purchased which will be on display on Sunday afternoon.