Win secures Garby's status

Garboldisham (190-7) ensured they will be playing in the Norfolk Cricket Alliance Premier Division again, thanks to Saturday’s 59-run home victory over Acle (131).

Acle, who occupy one of the two relegation spots, could have overhauled Garboldisham before the end of the season had they won this encounter.

However, it was the hosts that won through, put unassailable daylight between themselves and their visitors to secure another campaign in the top flight in 2019.

Batting first, it was Garboldisham captain Danny Cash that led by example, top-scoring for his side with a knock of 54.

And with the ball Tom Alexander was the home side’s hero, recording figures of 4-18 from eight overs as Acle never looked like reaching their victory target.

It all came to an end when Andrew Paxman (1) was caught one-handed in the slips by Kurt Richards off the bowling Kieran Pask, leaving Acle 59 runs short.

Seventh-placed Garboldisham could finish the season as high as sixth, though for that to happen they would need to win away at Downham Town (2nd) on the final day of the season tomorrow and hope that neighbouring Diss lose out at Old Buckenham (both 12pm).

l Old Buckenham (148) will go into that encounter against Diss in potentially despondent mood, having had their relegation confirmed after Saturday’s 175-run defeat at Cromer (323-4).

Tom Davies’ 148 allowed hosting Cromer to set a big target, but Old Buckenham’s reply got off to a positive start through openers Matt Bint (24) and Ben Shearing (80).

However, no other visiting batsmen managed to score double figures as they limped through to 148 all out in 35 overs.

Frankie Sutton was the pick of the Cromer bowlers with his return of 5-55 from 10 overs, while Robert Purton recorded 4-23 from eight overs.