Cromer CC finally got their Norfolk Alliance Division One campaign up and running on Saturday – and they certainly made up for lost time by racing to an impressive nine wicket win over visitors Mattishall.

However the game could only go ahead thanks to the hard work of a select few who had cut the Norton Warnes outfield with hand mowers, as the ground was too wet for the tractor.

Skipper Tom Davies won the toss and inevitably put the visitors into bat. Anthony Robinson and Kristian Regis were given the job of opening the bowling and both did a fine job. Regis struck with just his third ball and six of the first 12 overs were maidens.

Robinson got involved in the action in the ninth over and was on a hat-trick after dismissing Hubbard and Cole with successive deliveries, but his third ball was left alone by Forder and went through to Ollie Kimber.

Before the spell of Regis came to an end he got the wicket of Chetwood for 11, caught behind by Kimber. The bowling duties then turned to Chris Carey and Dean Elliott. They continued where Robinson and Regis had left off and again made life difficult for the batsmen.

Only one more Mattishall batsman would reach double figures, Gosling (12). Carey was now doing most of the damage, getting the wickets of Forder, Gosling, Tobias and Spalding. Elliot grabbed two wickets of his own, including that of Grant which brought the Mattishall innings to an end for just 47.

Carey finished with figures of 4 for 12 from his eight overs, while the others all picked up two wickets each.

Kimber and Davies took to the crease and were looking for a quick finish to the game. Both players hit early boundaries to release any anxiety they may have had in their first innings of the year. The visitors were able to pick up one wicket when Grant caught Kimber off the bowling of Weber, having scored 24.

Richard Charlwood came in at three with his side requiring just seven runs for victory. The emphatic win was confirmed in the 10th over thanks to a four from Charlwood. He finished eight not out while Davies was unbeaten on 13.

It was the perfect start for the Cravs as they look to make an immediate return to the top division of the Alliance league.

Skipper Davies was more than pleased with result, saying: 'Having missed the first two weeks due to the weather the players were keen to get going, and I cannot fault the performance from the lads. The bowlers did a superb job and all bowled brilliantly to dismiss Mattishall for just 47. I'm also very pleased with the way in which we chased down the score. Although we needed just 48 we showed good professionalism to ensure we got the victory we wanted.'

The Cromer captain was keen to praise the work that had gone on prior to the game, saying: 'The players and I are very grateful to the efforts of those involved in getting the ground ready.'

The match was sponsored by Mr and Mrs Mills, Suffield Park Post Office.

Cromer are at home to Horsford A on Saturday.

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