Garboldisham 196-7 (25pts) beat North Runcton 178 all out (6pts) by 18 runs
Runcton suffered a second defeat of the three played so far when they failed to chase a 196 target, losing by 18 runs. It was a disappointing result given they could have perhaps won had their senior players contributed just a few runs each, but four players were guilty of not scoring at all.
It did not look good when the eighth wicket fell at 108 and defeat seemed inevitable. However, a very disciplined display by Jacob Lockheart, keeping his head down and playing balls on merit, together with Jack Hazel, took Runcton close to what could have been an unlikely victory.
Alas, the closer the two young men got they took just one unfortunate risk with Hazel run out going for a suicidal second for 13 and leaving the visitors on 176-9, after a partnership of 68 for the ninth wicket. Joe Gent joined Lockheart and the two added two more before Lockheart was bowled by Craig Estlea for 94 off 130 balls with eight fours and a six and Garboldisham won by 18 runs.
Ben Coote had won the toss and asked the home team to bat. Given the rain during the week they expected this would be an advantage. Although the ball was moving about in the air and off the seam the home side openers coped well, taking the score to 34 for the first wicket (Matt Collinge 10) and 69 (Tom Collishaw 33) for the second wicket.
The Runcton captain then removed the usual hard-hitting Craig Estlea for just two at 82-3. This bought in Kiwi Samuel French who despite being given not out twice for catches behind made 88 with nine fours and a six. Matt Allin 16 and Joshua Rowe 14 added to the final 178-7 total.
In reply Kirwin Christoffels looked as if he had a train to catch as he made 18 in just 12 balls before hitting a catch to mid-off - such a waste when the required run rate was less than four an over. Ben Skipper made a welcome 26 off 51 balls. His brother Mark, who scored a century the week before, went first ball for a golden duck.
Alexander Payne was bowled without scoring shortly afterwards with the best ball of the day (described by the home wicketkeeper) which swung and nipped back off the seam from Tom Davey. Brother Jasper did not score either and he went for nought.
Triffitt made two and Lankfer 14 and after their departure it was expected to see Ben Coote take the game to Garboldisham, but he too was another duck, caught off a skier. Lockheart, Hazel and Gent did their best but defeat was the outcome for the visitors.
