Church Eaton’s Sunday XI delivered a batting masterclass, powered by a colossal record breaking opening 258-run opening stand between Jordan Talbot and Douglas Hughes in beautiful sunshine .

Talbot, fresh from his Saturday league exploits, was unstoppable as he struck 125 with 24 boundaries. At the other end, Hughes matched him blow for blow, compiling a magnificent 120 that included 11 fours.

The pair completely dominated the Norton attack before both fell in quick succession. A couple of late wickets followed, but the damage was already done as Church Eaton declared aggressively on 265 for 3 from just 32.3 overs.

Second Innings – Norton-in-Hales CC (180 all out, 37.5 overs)

Norton-in-Hales replied with determination but couldn’t keep pace with the required rate. Gary Rudd (51) gave them a platform and Harry Cadman (37) provided middle-order resistance, yet regular wickets halted momentum.

Church Eaton’s bowlers, led by Douglas Hughes (4–16 from 6.5 overs), ensured the chase never gained traction. He was backed brilliantly by Adrian Melbourn (4–27 from 8), with Ajithkumar Balasubramaniyan (1–21) and Gerry Plant (1–27) also chipping in. Norton were bowled out for 180 in the 38th over, handing Church Eaton an emphatic 85-run victory.

It was the perfect all-round performance for Church Eaton – centuries for Talbot (125) and Hughes (120), before Hughes and Melbourn ripped through the hosts’ batting to seal maximum points.

The win also capped off a dream weekend for Jordan Talbot, who scored 58 on Saturday, 125 on Sunday, and now sits just 34 runs short of 1,000 runs for the season – a remarkable achievement with several games still to play.

This result propels Church Eaton into 2nd place in Section B South, level on points with Endon (166) but ahead on games played, and just 31 points behind league leaders Uttoxeter (197).

With only a handful of fixtures left, the promotion race is heating up:

1st – Uttoxeter, 197 pts (7 wins)

2nd – Church Eaton, 166 pts (6 wins)

3rd – Endon, 166 pts (6 wins, game in hand)

The table remains wide open, with Church Eaton firmly in the hunt for the title and promotion after back-to-back strong performances.