Norfolk O60's through to National Final
Norfolk Over 60's v Sussex Over 60's
Match Report
The much awaited Semi Final between Sussex and Norfolk was played in boiling hot sunshine at Horsham, a lovely venue and the best batting wicket of the Summer (according to Norfolk). Norfolk inserted, lost Paul Rice (13) in the 4th over, with the score 33 but Martin Pearse and Richard Taylor put on 85 in 13 overs until Taylor departed for a quickfire 46 in 39 balls. Ian Battelley (7) was caught and Pearse went in the 22nd over for 60 with the score on 141. Evan Tuck (19) hit his customary sixes but Peter Brown found Richie Davies (19) and Ron Ashdown (20) as back up and Brown’s brilliant innings included five enormous sixes, which saw him end up on 60 not out and with Norfolk amassing 255-7 in their 40 overs.
Sussex started brightly until Tuck caught Peter Grey (9) plumb in front and the writing was on the wall when Mark Shimmons completely missed a straight yorker from Ian Battelley. Andy Barnes (47) looked capable of taking Norfolk to the wire but found running harder than batting in the heat. His run out by John Nash effectively sealed the game and Geoff Saunders, 5-22, wrapped up the tail with the home team being bowled out for 164.