On a beautiful day on the best Withies Lane pitch of the season, Norton came out on top by just one run.
Skipper, Paul Justin, won the toss and decided to bat. The innings was built around a century stand for the second wicket by Dan Cox and Bruce Bicknell. Dan Cox used the pace of the ball and the fast outfield to cut his way to 72, including ten fours, off just 109 balls. Bruce pulled with great timing and scored 37 off 57 balls, including five fours.
A total of 200 seemed likely with the score at 130-1 in the 31st over, but the loss of five quick wickets left the tail scrabbling to reach 170–8 at the end of the innings.
Easton Skipper, Evan Gibbons, took 3–42.
After tea, Easton batted steadily, but Toby Hobbs bowled both openers and at the twenty overs drinks break, the score was 60–2, with both sides still well in contention.
The third and fourth wickets both added over fifty: Preece scored 37, Gibbons 35 and Bordi top scored on 42.
Norton's tight bowling and fielding kept a grip on the game and Easton needed eight runs from the final over. The first three balls from Paul Justin went for six runs and then Evan Gibbons smacked a full toss to Steve Green at mid-on, leaving two runs to win from the last ball.
The last ball came and Easton tried to run a leg bye to tie the game, but evergreen keeper, Graeme King, added a run out to his two stumpings to complete a one run victory.
Many thanks to all of the players who turned out week after week and won the last four league games to finish in a comfortable fifth place.
Thanks also to Spike and Julie for scoring, Phil for preparing the pitches and the fantastic tea ladies at Norton.
Cricket will be resumed next summer – if we have one.