Old Buckenham continue positive start to the new Norfolk Cricket Alliance Division One season
Old Buckenham have made the perfect start to life in the Norfolk Cricket Alliance Division One, and captain Rob Thurley is keen to see that continue over the coming weeks.
The 2018 campaign was a tough one for all concerned with Old Buckenham, who finished bottom of the Premier Division and were subsequently relegated.
However, three wins from three at the start of 2019 would suggest the club is now back on track – the latest being a 25-run home victory over Sprowston on Saturday.
It means Old Buckenham are top of the Division One standings at this early stage, 14 points clear of Swardeston II in second place.
“It has been a really great start from everyone,” said Thurley, who took over the captaincy during the winter.
“Last year we started with a losing run and never really recovered from that.
“We made a couple of good signings over the winter and it is a bit of a younger side than in previous years.
“We had a chat at the beginning of the year about wanting to gain promotion and thankfully everyone is pulling in the same direction.
“But it is also important to remember it is just three games. If we turn up in the coming weeks and think we will smash teams then we will get beaten.
“Saturday was a tough game and there will be plenty of others. It is a cliche, but it is very much one game at a time.”
Thurley led by example during the weekend triumph over Sprowston as he came in with the score at 27-1 following the dismissal of opener Matt Bint.
The skipper went on to score 109 runs – which included 10 4s and one 6 – from 132 deliveries before he was caught by Sridhar Tenjarla off the bowling of Sam Niblett.
It was Thurley’s partnership with James Heaney (80) that proved to be crucial come the end of the encounter, with the pair taking Old Buckenham from 79-3 to 238-4 when Heaney’s wicket eventually fell.
New signing Charlie Tunstall then continued his positive start to life with the club as the defence got under way, ending his 9.3 overs with bowling figures of 3-35
Vice-captain Glen Meredith (3-71) was more expensive but nevertheless helped to prevent Sprowston from building any significant partnerships, while Jack Grant weighed in with a pair of wickets and Daniel Bint nabbed one.
Old Buckenham will aim to make it four victories from as many outings tomorrow when they play host to fifth-placed Swaffham (1.30pm).