After disappointing NCCA Trophy campaign that saw Norfolk CCC lose their first three games they avoided a whitewash with a convincing victory over Staffordshire CCC in front of a large crowd at Sprowston. The visitors had a very slim chance of qualifying for the knockout stages if everything went their way, but Norfolk produced the form that saw them lift the Trophy last year with a commanding performance.
Skipper Sam Arthurton won the toss and asked Staffs to bat first. His decision soon paid dividends when Brett Stolworthy bowled Callum Hawkins for two, before some late swing deceived Tom Moulton who edged Joe Everett to Sam Arthurton at first slip. When Joe Hawkins was trapped LBW by Everett, Staffordshire were in some disarray on 25 for 3. Captain James Kettleborough who has so often been the saviour for Staffs looked to repair the early damage but after making his way to 16 was beaten by an excellent ball from Callum Metcalf that knocked back his off stump
A much-needed partnership was then forged by Michael Hill and Matthew Morris as Staffordshire tried to fight back. The pair took their side to drinks at the halfway stage on 96-4. However, after taking the score to 121, Morris fell when a delivery from Arthur Wilcox skidded through and bowled him for 40. Nils Priestley had made nine when he poked at a ball from Andy Hanby and presented wicketkeeper Charlie Hood with a routine catch. Hill playing his last year of NCCA cricket before retiring at the end of the season, batted valiantly, reaching his half-century, but just one run later he was adjudged lbw to Hanby. His innings included six fours and one six.
Stolworthy returned to the attack to remove Sam Atkinson for 17, before taking a return catch off Liam Hurt, who made 15. Everett wrapped up the innings for 194 when he bowled Rory Haydon.
In a fine bowling and fielding display there were three wickets each for Stolworthy and Everett with two for Hanby.
Norfolk got off to a strong start in their response with Arthurton and Finlay Wilcox looking comfortable putting on 96 for the first wicket before Wilcox was caught by Priestley off the bowling of Tom Brett for 34. Arthurton who has been in supreme form with three consecutive centuries in the EAPL was again dominating and supported by Ethan Metcalf he went on to record another magnificent ton before offering a straightforward catch to Joe Hawkins from Priestley’s bowling to depart for 101 from 122 balls. He had fifteen fours in his knock.
The home side needed 44 runs when Ben Wilcox strode out to join Metcalf at the wicket and the pair proceeded with few alarms to complete an emphatic eight wicket win for Norfolk reaching the target in 45th over. Metcalf was unbeaten on 37 and Wilcox 12.
Norfolk now move on to the T20 competition with two matches at Louth CC against Lincolnshire on Sunday 25th May.
Link to the match scorecard Norfolk CCC