Park fires Goddy’s title hopes

East Anglian Premier League

Godmanchester (223-6) bt Fakenham (222-6) by four wickets

IN A week when Godmanchester Town's pavilion was damaged by vandals, the club's cricketers gave fans something to smile about.

After the club's title hopes seemed dead and buried two weeks ago this win, coupled with a defeat for leaders Swardeston, has reignited a spark of hope for Goddy.

South African wicket-keeper Craig Park was the star of the show on his return from holiday, guiding Goddy to victory with a composed 96.

Godmanchester now lie just 14 points behind Swardeston, who unexpectedly lost at Clacton.

Fakenham got off to a steady start, with captain and number three batsman Mike Smith batting excellently to make 98 not out, though the visiting middle order struggled.

Goddy captain Bevis Moynan was the top wicket-taker with 3-46, while Sri Lankan spinner Praneeth Jayasundera claimed 2-52.

Paul Swannell was the other wicket taker for Godmanchester, but the efforts of the Fakenham captain ensured his side would not be the victims of a walkover.

In reply, Matt Durrant was out cheaply, while Ollie Huggins, Matt Pateman and Paul Swannell contributed just 30 runs between them, leaving the hosts on 39-4.

However, the entrances of Park and Jayasundera soon had Godmanchester back on track - the Sri Lankan blasting 32 runs before holing out.

More aggressive batting from Park paid off alongside Wayne Bradley and Adam Cousins as the trio steered the hosts home.

Fifty partnerships with both Bradley and Cousins were enough for Goddy, who must hope Swardeston slip up again in their final two matches of the season.

Moynan said: "Craig showed what we were missing last week.

"It was the innings of the season as it was not an easy wicket to play on - he played a very mature innings.