Hethersett gunning for promotion

HETHERSETT and Tas Valley Seconds' bid for their second consecutive promotion in the Norfolk Alliance is gathering pace following a two-wicket win over Rocklands.

The side are up to third place in Division Five, just two points behind second placed Brooke A.

Rocklands scored 254-6 from their 46 overs with Dave Austin taking 3-76. Hethersett's reply was based on a number of telling contributions from experienced batsmen.

Openers Stephen Hayes and Rob Mitchell hit 59 and 35 respectively and Tim Couche, batting at number seven, hit an unbeaten 69. There were also good contributions from Jack Smith (17), Tristan Hunt (19) and Rob Scott (26) as Hethersett reached 256-8 with 11 balls remaining.

H&TV's first team slipped back in the Division Three promotion chase through no fault of their own when their match at Swaffham was abandoned through rain. Swaffham had scored 178-5 from 35 overs when the weather turned nasty.

H&TV Thirds lost to Acle by six runs in the Norfolk League. Acle scored 175-8 (Joel Howard 4-27) and Hethersett were bowled out for 169 in their final over. Howard completed a fine all-round performance with a half century. Tony Wenham hit 36 and John Brandon Street was unbeaten on 25.

H&TV are through to the semi-finals of the Wensum 20-20 Cup after a 19 run win over Old Catton.

Valley hammered 173-7 with John Curtis hitting an unbeaten 39. Old Catton were restricted to 154-7 with Devin Bellchamber taking 3-24.

This Saturday the firsts are home to Dersingham, the seconds visit Great Melton A and the thirds are away to Bacton.

Meanwhile, Hethersett and Tas Valley bowed out of the Cricket Officials Plate competition in the quarter-finals after losing to Acle by 16 runs.

Acle scored 227-9 from their 50 overs with two wickets each for Jack Smith, Julian Emeny and Shaun Barker. Hethersett were restricted to 211 all out with John Curtis hitting 52 and Rob Mitchell 40.