Hethersett and Tas Valley came within a whisker of causing a major upset in the first round of the Carter Cup.Having set Premier Division Norfolk Alliance opponents North Runcton a target of 242, they had the visitors struggling to scramble to their target with the last pair at the wicket and just one over to go.
Hethersett and Tas Valley came within a whisker of causing a major upset in the first round of the Carter Cup.
Having set Premier Division Norfolk Alliance opponents North Runcton a target of 242, they had the visitors struggling to scramble to their target with the last pair at the wicket and just one over to go.
It was a tie that changed direction throughout with the outcome being impossible to predict up until the final ball of the game - a streaky single that saw Runcton home by one wicket.
A couple of umpiring decisions that went Runcton's way and Hethersett's concession of too many extras proved crucial.
The Alliance Division Three side elected to bat and they started in style with seven off the first over, only to be pinned back in an innings that veered between attacking flair and more subdued batting. Simon Redhead and Nick Burrett provided the base for a healthy 241 for 8.
Redhead fell six runs short of what would have been a fine ton, controversially adjudged lbw.
Burrett contributed 36 and Jack Smith a useful 25 before being run out and Matt Steward ended the innings with a flourish with 24no.
Runcton started strongly but then stumbled. After 17 overs they were 89 for 5 and at tea the game was poised on a knife edge with the visitors on 119 for 5.
The match continued to sway first one way and then the other and Runcton's last pair found themselves at the wicket with five runs needed.
Loud appeals for lbw were turned down and Runcton eventually scrambled to victory by one wicket, just over an over left.
Club chairman Tony Smith said: 'It was a fantastic cup tie which had everything a cricket match should have - excellent batting, two committed teams, some fine bowling and the outcome in doubt throughout.'
H&TV's Saturday programme fell foul of the rain. This Saturday, the firsts visit Ashmanhaugh, the seconds host Cromer and thirds host Old Buckenham IV.
On Sunday H&TV visit Old Buckenham in the Mid Norfolk Sunday League.
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