Jacques’ 150 not enough to avoid defeat
NORTHUMBERLAND professional and captain, Jacques du Toit, saved his best till last – but it wasn’t enough to prevent another defeat.
Du Toit struck 18 fours and five sixes in a brilliant 150 and shared a fifth-wicket stand of 176 with Tom Cant.
That, and 43 from Sameet Brar, saw North reach 421 in their second innings Norfolk after they were bowled out by Norfolk for 86 in the first innings.
That turned a deficit of 217 into a lead of 204, a total that Norfolk managed to pass with four wickets to spare.
Cant’s 87 was his highest for the county but while Northumberland showed commendable fight they finished the season without a win.
Team manager Stuart Tiffin said: “Once again the damage was done in the first innings, which has been the story of our season.
“It was a tremendous response in the second innings and a great stand between Du Toit and Cant.
“Both batted very well, Du Toit eventually caught down the leg side while Cant chipped to mid-wicket.
“Brar shouldn’t have been given out on 43 and he then had Sam Arthurton leg before only for the decision not to be given.
“Arthurton went on to win Norfolk the game with an unbeaten century, and I wasn’t happy with a number of decisions that went against us. “We have to be better next year. The intention is to bring in a second professional and hopefully 2018 will be a better year.” SCORECARD: Norfolk 1st inns 303 all out off 86.1 overs. Northumberland 1st inns: 86 all out off 40.3 overs; Northumberland 2nd inns: 421 all out off 121.1 overs (J du Toit 150, T. Cant 87, S, Brar 43, B. Stolworthy 3-26,); Norfolk 2nd inns: 208-6 off 43.2 overs (S. Arthurton 104no, O. McGee 3-52, T. Cant 2-63). Norfolk beat Northumberland by four wickets