Rodrigo makes it tough for newcomers

Fakenham's revamped side enjoyed a winning start as they thrashed new-boys Halstead by nine wickets at Highfield Lawn.

After Imran Ali (three for 26) had ripped through the Halstead top order, the visitors were always on the back foot and they stuttered to 36 for five.

Thomas Philip (41no) gave them some hope, but Sri Lankan debutant Sanjaya Rodrigo picked up three wickets as Halstead were all out in the 58th over having crawled to 97.

There were no such problems for Fakenham as Rodrigo and fellow newcomer James Brown put together a stand of 86. Rodrigo went for 39, but Brown reached his half-century as Fakenham wrapped up victory in the 27th over.