Hethersett humble leaders

Hethersett and Tas Valley improved their promotion hopes on Saturday as they humbled table-topping Horsford A in Division Three of the Norfolk Alliance.

Valley stay in third place despite the win.

Defeat saw Horsford drop to second spot and Great Witchingham climb to the top.

Hethersett are now just eight points behind the leaders and six behind Horsford, with a game in hand on the latter.

Saturday's win was a finely judged victory that once again showed the club's batting strength, as they found no problem in chasing a Horsford total of 230 for eight.

The main wicket-takers were spinners Assad Abbas (3-55) and Devin Bellchamber (2-41).

Tim Shelley signalled Hethersett's intentions by slamming a four off the first delivery, but then the home side went into their shells against some lively and accurate bowling from the Horsford seamers.

A serious onslaught in the middle overs brought Hethersett back on track and they ended up scoring 232 for five, with over five overs remaining.

Simon Redhead was back to his best form with a barrage of boundaries to end unbeaten on 74, and he was well supported by Rob Mitchell with another valuable 38 and John Curtis with 40.

Hethersett and Tas Valley II stay in second place in Division Five, despite suffering a rather embarrassing nine-wicket defeat at Vauxhall Mallards III.

Valley were all out for 115 in 44.5 overs on what looked a difficult pitch, with Dave Austin top scoring with 35.

Mallards made batting look easy with a reply of 116 for one in just 29 overs.

This week the first team visits Mundford, whilst the seconds are at home to Stow.

Meanwhile, Hethersett are through to the final of the Wensum 20-20 Cup after beating Hardingham in the semi-finals.

Hardingham scored 152 for one and Hethersett reached their target with 155 for seven from 17.2 overs.

John Curtis retired not out on 30 with Nick Burrett scoring 23.