Day 1
The first day of the Norfolk festival was blessed with good weather despite an inclement forecast.
Suffolk batted first and put on 30 for the first wicket before Andy Hanby had Kyran Young caught by debutant Ben Compton at slip for 16. With no addition to the score Brett Stolworthy bowled Darren for 13. This brought Ferose Khushi to the wicket and the Essex player showed his quality with an excellent knock of 65. When he departed just after lunch LBW to Hanby Suffolk were 139 for 6. Brett Stolworthy had taken two more wickets and there was one for Ashley Watson. Hanby then followed up with wicket of Ben Parker before a partnership of 76 by Josh Cantrell (71) and Jack Beaumont (27) helped Suffolk to a total of 269 all out. Andy Northcote added a useful 27 at number 10. There were three wickets a piece for Hanby, Stolworthy and Ryan Findlay.
The Norfolk reply started with Sam Arthurton and Ben Compton putting on 30 before Compton was caught by Ben Parker off the bowling of Ben Claydon for 19. There then followed a good partnership of 89 by Arthurton and 17 year old Ben Wilcox. Arthurton was next to go caught by Joe Gating off the bowling of Jack Beaumont for 39. Wilcox went on to complete his maiden half century before falling to a brilliant catch by Ironside off Cantrell for 57. Before the close Norfolk lost three further wickets all to Cantrell who finished a superb personal day with 4 for 21 from 12.3 overs.
Norfolk will resume on day 2 with nightwatchman Hanby and Findlay on 132 for 6, 137 runs behind.
Day 2
Unfortunately, the match between had to be cancelled without a ball being bowled on the second day after a player tested positive for Covid. The umpires and officials were left with no alternative but to abandon the match in line with National Counties and ECB rules. All the other players on both sides along with the umpires took lateral flow tests and they were all negative.
Mike Hanby Chairman of Norfolk CCC said “Whilst a massive disappointment to everyone it was the right and only decision we could take. The safety of every person is of paramount importance. The umpires and both teams were united in their approach to the situation and fully understood that this was the only outcome possible. There was already a good crowd in the ground in anticipation of an intriguing days play when the announcement was made. We offered a refund or free entry to a day at the next game to everyone that had paid on the gate.” Hanby also went on to say “on behalf of the committee I would like to thank everybody for their patience and understanding. I would also like to pass on our sincere thanks to Horsford Cricket Club for all their help and support.”
