Brilliant innings from Mudimu not enough as Norton Lindsey open up with friendly loss to Kineton

Norton had been scheduled to play village neighbours Rowington, but a late fixture change saw them take on a team from the Cotswold Hills Premier Division.

Mixed availability and dropouts meant Norton were also forced to field a number of second team players.

Kineton got off to a flyer and Qureshi (98) and Cooper (62) piled on 160 for the third wicket as the visitors posted 246 in their innings.

Norton started brilliantly as openers Simba Mudimu (99) and Toby White (21) put on 87 for the first wicket.

Tom Wilcox (24) and Mark Reading (12no) tried to keep the score moving, but the match meandered to a close as Norton closed on 195 for seven.

Sunday saw another high-scoring friendly as Norton hosted Snitterfield.

Snitterfield totalled 201 for six from their 40 overs, with Max Ashley taking one for 12, with Norton falling short at 188 for five in reply with Harry Clarke (67 retired) and skipper Toby White (50 retired) in the runs.

This weekend sees Norton Lindsey & Wolverton's first and second teams take on against Lapworth in a double header, before the Cotswold League fixtures May 2. The midweek T20 begins on May 13.

Already running at the club on Thursdays from 6.30pm is the women and girls night, with opportunities for all age groups (Year 3 - Adult. The first three sessions are free for new members.