AS the season draws towards the business end, Aldborough's outside chance of any Norfolk League Division One honours rested on the result of their important match against top-spot rivals Old Buckenham.

AS the season draws towards the business end, Aldborough's outside chance of any Norfolk League Division One honours rested on the result of their important match against top-spot rivals Old Buckenham.

A defeat would end the season, however a win would mean the Greens would have a part to play in the title race. However, the north Norfolk side were up to the task and completed a memorable victory.

Batting first, Aldborough through Cooper and Botwright started brightly. Both playing well and scoring at a good rate moved through the early overs with

some comfort.

The rate was always good and at 10 overs and then at 20 the score was around six per over. Botwright passed his half-century first and was followed fairly soon by Cooper. Both batsman found little difficulty with the Buckenham attack.

The hundred partnership came as did the 150 in the 26th over. Both players batting very continued to push on and it was 192 before Botwright fell, cutting a bouncer to point when on 92. Reeve then was out and Cooper finally fell on 80 and Farrow soon thereafter.

This mini collapse saw Old Buckenham taking the initiative and momentum. However, Charlie Mack and the impressive youngster Ben Flanagan had other ideas and in 40 balls added nearly 60 runs to take the team up to 280-4.

In reply, Farrow and Reeve bowled well. The plan was to restrict the opposition and put them behind the run rate from early on. Without Bacon, Dingle and Warnes Aldborough looked a little light in the bowling.

The opening pair stuck to their task and despite Jon Lund taking 20 off one Reeve over Old Buckenham were in need of 200 runs off the last 20 overs. Flanagan bowled well to tie down an end but the visitors' deep batting order seemed belligerent in their chase. They saw the opening as Aldborough's fourth bowler.

At one stage the home side had two

15-year-olds bowling in tandem. Flanagan was in fine form and Seaman at the other end, despite going at 10 per over, picked up three crucial wickets. Worthington then bowled two overs for 27 and Old Buckenham through Mann, Savage and Goldsmith started to reel in the big total.

Captain Botwright brought himself on to lead by example. He bowled very well with Flannagan and the pressure brought wickets.

When Dunnett arrived at the crease it was clear that the game was won and the field was brought in the Aldborough team coasted home with 22 runs to spare.

Man-of-the-match: Ben Flanagan/Ed Botwright.