NCCA Counties

Norfolk beat Hertfordshire in Game One by 22 runs Norfolk continued their NCCA T20 campaign with a 22-run victory over Hertfordshire at Welwyn Garden City on Sunday after a powerful batting display laid the foundations for success. Asked to bat first, Norfolk posted an imposing 181 for 5 from their 20 overs, with half-centuries from Sam Arthurton and Benjamin Wilcox proving decisive. Arthurton set the tone at the top of the order with an aggressive 43 from just 34 deliveries, striking six fours and a six, while Wilcox anchored the innings superbly. The Norfolk batter compiled an excellent 75 from 42 balls, including nine boundaries and four sixes, at a strike rate of 178.6. Alfie Cooper provided further impetus in the middle overs with a fluent 43 from 25 deliveries, sharing key partnerships with Wilcox as Norfolk accelerated towards a challenging total. Hertfordshire's bowlers struggled to contain the scoring, although Andrew Neal impressed with figures of 1 for 19 from his four overs. Jacob Gordon was the pick of the wicket-takers, claiming 2 for 39. Chasing 182, Hertfordshire made a solid start through Ed Hales and Ben Clifford. Hales struck 21 from 15 balls before falling to Andy Hanby, while Clifford contributed 29 from 30 deliveries. S Galloway added 23 and Archie Harrison chipped in with 27, keeping the hosts in contention through the middle overs. However, Norfolk's attack consistently found breakthroughs at crucial moments. Cam Graveling delivered an outstanding spell, taking 2 for 24 from his four overs, while Arthur Wilcox and Andy Hanby each claimed a wicket. Hamidullah Qadri also made an impact with the ball, dismissing Galloway and conceding just 23 runs from his four overs. Despite an unbeaten 23 from Jack Plom and a late cameo of 10 not out from Jacob Gordon, Hertfordshire finished on 159 for 5 from their 20 overs, falling 22 runs short of the target. Wilcox's match-defining 75 earned him the standout batting honours, while Graveling's economical spell helped ensure Norfolk defended their total successfully. Norfolk CCC NCCA T20 XI 181-5 (20 overs) Benjamin Wilcox 75, Sam Arthurton 43, Alfie Cooper 43; Jacob Gordon 2-39, Andrew Neal 1-19. Hertfordshire CCC NCCA T20 XI 159-5 (20 overs) Ben Clifford 29, Archie Harrison 27, Jack Plom 23*; Cam Graveling 2-24, Hamidullah Qadri 1-23. Result: Norfolk CCC NCCA T20 XI won by 22 runs.