Hethersett and Tas Valley's decision to put the emphasis on youth this season paid immediate dividends as a young first team launched its Norfolk Alliance Division Two season with a comprehensive seven wicket win at Downham Town A.
Hethersett included former youth team players Tom Worley, David Mathews, Sam Morton and Tom Osborn in their team which also saw the return to the club of Dave Cosford and included new signing Damon Cresswell.
The mixture of youth and experience proved a success as Downham were skittled out for 118 in 30 overs with Ian Bryce taking 3-24 and Tom Worley 2-47. Spinners Sam Morton and Robbie Matthews proved almost unplayable, with Morton taking 2-8 from nine overs and Matthews 2-1 from his only over.
Valley made short work of reaching their target with a reply of 119-3 from 24.1 overs, with skipper Damian Fahy top scoring with an unbeaten 45.
It was a day of celebration for Valley's fourth team which recorded its first ever victory in the Norfolk League. After a winless 2016 of near misses, the team finally came good against Hardingham with a 35-run victory. Hethersett hit 129-6 from their 45 overs, with Glenn Wilson hitting a half century. They then bowled Hardingham out for 94 with Mark Worley and Lucy Morton claiming three victims each.
Valley Seconds lost at home to Garboldisham by 62 runs. Valley bowled the visitors out for 198 with Andy Baker taking 3-40 and Andy Harris 2-30. Hethersett's batting let them down as they were all out for 136 in 39.3 overs with Tristan Henderson top scoring with 45.
Valley Thirds lost to Hingham by 77 runs in the Norfolk League (Hingham 221 all out, Sanjeewa Jayakody 3-40, Ben Davies 4-10, Hethersett 144-8, Cameron Clarke 54, Ollie Kilbourn 41).
On Sunday, Valley hammered Old Catton by 126 runs in the first round of the Mid Norfolk Sunday League Challenge Cup. Hethersett slammed 321-3 in their 40 overs with opener Robbie Matthews retiring unbeaten on 100 and Richard Ellis hitting 86 and Tristan Hunt 57 not out. They then restricted Old Catton to 195 with Sam Morton taking 4-15 and Stuart Last 2-43.
On Saturday the firsts are home to Saham Toney, the seconds visit Sheringham, the thirds go to Hardingham and the fourths are home to Beeston.
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