Hat-trick taken in dominant Saham Toney performance

Saham Toney produced one of their most dominant performances in years in Division Two of the Dipple & Conway Opticians Norfolk Alliance, dismissing Fakenham A for 49 after making 217-7.

Mark Hunter took a hat-trick in his 4-5 after Ben Smart had put his side in the driving seat with a half century, as Saham won by 168 runs to move up to third in the table.

Asked to bat first on the beautiful Fakenham pitch, Saham set about their task of setting a big total. All looked good as Nathan King set about the home attack scoring 20 off the second over of the innings. King fell shortly after.

That brought to the crease the in-form Smart and alongside Ady Wood they set about the home attack, adding 90 in 16 overs. Wood was out for 34 and shortly after Smart brought up his second 50 of the season. Simon Mower (13), Mark Hunter (10), Xavier Huckle (16) all came and went and Saham's inning lost momentum. A late flurry from William Dyer (17no) and Craig Ellis (12no) saw Saham to 217-8, which could have been so much more.

Skipper Simon Mower called for ruthless performance with the ball and was rewarded with some of the best bowling seen in recent years. Joe Norman (3-18) and Jordan Wood (1-21) led the way while Mark Hunter produced a perfect hat-trick to finish off the home side.

Swaffham maintained their bright start in Division Three as they swept aside Vauxhall Mallards A, one of a number of EAPL second teams who have struggled during the opening weeks. Jasper Payne took 5-28 as Mallards were skittled out for just 120, a total the leaders got past for the loss of just two wickets.

Mundford suffered their first defeat of the season in Division Four, losing by four wickets at home against Winterton. The hosts batted first and scored 173 but saw Winterton reach 174-6.

This weekend, Saham Toney welcome Bradfield in Division Two and Swaffham travel to Downham A.