This was won by the Norfolk Alliance by 6 runs in an exciting match that went down to the last over. Two Counties bowled first and restricted the Alliance batting early on and the shackles were only really removed when the middle order comprising Mark Jones (who we remember from his days at Felixtowe and Frinton) with a half century, partnered by Chris Cooper with 42. The Alliance were bowled out for 209 in the 47th over with local lad Jonah Handy a standout 7.4 overs 5 for 38 and the Clacton pair of Dan Williams and Imran Sheikh also amongst the wickets.
This seemed a very gettable target on an excellent Mildenhall track. In the chase though wickets fell regularly with no-one able to take the game by the scruff of the neck and the Two Counties were unfortunately bowled out for 203, Mark Jones and Michael Seago with a couple of wickets each ……. Dan Williams and Imran Sheikh also contributed with the bat with 40 and 39 respectively and Graham Ford of Worlington got a useful 32 opening the batting.
Both teams clearly enjoyed the occasion and it is hoped to repeat the fixture next season. Our thanks to Mildenhall CC for hosting and Lloyd Edwards and Rob Humphries for their work in getting the two teams together. A useful and interesting add on to the occasion was the discussions that took place within the Two Counties team on the day about possible rule changes in Division 1 for next season and this will be followed up shortly by the MSC before the Two Counties AGM in October.