Hethersett & Tas Valley win Carter/Shield – David Coyle Man of the Match
An overcast grey morning led to an afternoon of glorious sunny conditions at Halvergate on Sunday and in front of an appreciative crowd, Hethersett & Tas Valley became the first winners of the Carter/NACO Shield beating Thetford by 127 runs. Hethersett & Tas Valley batted first and reached a formidable 228 for 6 wickets off their allocated forty overs. After losing early wickets HTV pulled their innings back into shape aided in some ways by unnecessary extras, with Mark Wyatt 42 & Nick Burrett 37 leading the way. A fourth wicket stand of 72 between Burrett and Matt Ellis 58 not – out cemented their total together and a cameo 34 not – out by skipper David Coyle bought the innings to a close on 228 for 6 wickets. For Thetford young Sean Bowden was the pick of the bowlers with a well taken 2 for 24 off eight overs.
Needing nearly 6 runs an over to win Thetford soon fell behind the asking rate and lost wickets regularly with Craig Baulch 24 and Ryan Conroy with 28 the only batsmen to get to grips with the HTV bowling attack. Young Sam Morton bowled an impressive eight overs of slow paced bowling, finishing up with 2 for 19 off his 8 overs including one maiden. Coyle followed up his batting display with 3 wickets for a miserly 9 runs off only four overs. Thetford were eventually bowled out for 101, losing by 127 runs, however to their credit they never gave in, battling well to the inevitable end with all players being a credit to their thriving club.
Again the Carter Competition produced another excellent day’s cricket leaving Man of the Match Adjudicator Richard Chapple the task of deciding where the coveted prize went; after consideration David Coyle the winning captain, capped a day to remember winning the award, a top grade cricket bat for his 38 not out and bowling figures of 3 for 9 runs. A fine captain’s performance.
Thanks must go to Vauxhall Mallards and all at Halvergate and also Fakenham where the original game was rained off for their excellent hospitality and first class facilities. Both sides can be congratulated on reaching the first ever Carter/NACO Shield Final. Hethersett & Tas Valley also won the chance to play in the Lady Mary Trophy in the 2016 season, a decision they can consider during the winter months. The Carter Group and the Norfolk Association of Cricket Officials can be congratulated on their inaugural year after joining together in the winter to ensure Sunday Knock Out cricket is still very much part of the Norfolk cricketing scene.
David Coe Sunday, 06 September 2015