Hales Herd beat Bradenham Bears in the Junior Carter Cup by 56 runs. Skipper Rob Andersen won the toss and elected to bat, although at 4 for 2 he must have questioned this, with Jack Cook being bowled and Andersen himself being run out after a mix-up with Tom Collier. Collier and Mark Minns gradually rebuilt, before Collier was bowled for a dogged 14. Minns made a well-crafted 16, but at 50 for 5 a decent total was certainly in doubt.

Enter Todd Jones, who took the game and, along with Josh Knights, added a priceless 98 runs for the 6th wicket before Jones was out for an excellent 57, his maiden half-century for the club. His knock was patient to start with but he then dominated the bowling, cracking 8 boundaries in his superb knock. Josh Knights was the perfect foil for Jones, batting 22 overs for his 19 and showing great maturity in his game. The Herd closed on 156 for 7, with strength in depth the key to gaining the 156 total.

In reply, Bradenham were pegged back by some excellent opening bowling. Jones removed dangerman Thurley for 6 in his 3 for 15 spell. He benefited from Skipper Andersen's excellent spell, just 9 runs being conceded as the Bears earned 24 for 3 from the opening 12. The impressive Findlay was looking dangerous and launched Knights over the trees, but next ball Knights removed him as Lewis White took a smart catch to leave the Bears on 45 for 5. Knights continued to bowl well, returning 2 for 17 from 6, and Lewis White rounded the game off well, taking 3 for 8 and claiming Denmark for 35 to give the Herd the win.

Hales showed great strength with bat and ball, recovering well in bat, with top-drawer bowling and fielding despite the difficult conditions. Andersen gained the very best from all of his team, who all contributed to this impressive win.

Barnard Sports Man of the Match was Todd Jones for a great all-round display.

Beccles & Bungay Roll of Honour nominations: Todd Jones 57 and 3-15, Lewis White 3-8.