Diss CC hoping to bounce back

After losing heavily to North Runcton, Diss CC will be hoping for better things this Saturday at Cromer.

Diss got just two points as they lost by eight wickets to North Runcton (21 points) in the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division.

Diss, who had played splendidly in recent weeks to sit third in the table, suffered a setback at Rectory Meadow.

Losing the toss and being asked to bat, skipper Simon Cooper promoted Ben Spinks up the order to open the batting in place of James Wilby who was forced to withdraw due to illness.

Henry Rush was first to fall as he was trapped lbw for four with the score on 12 with Dave Tooke soon following being clean bowled then joined back in the pavilion by Wilby and Rob Tooke both lbw. Tormentor-in-chief was South African professional Jonker with three wickets.

Meanwhile, teenager Spinks was giving a masterclass in patience and concentration until he ran himself out going for an unnecessary second run.

Dawson succumbed to spinner Cubitt as Diss found themselves 62-6.

Brothers Chris and Simon Cooper with a stand of 41 added an air of respectability to the score. But when Simon was bowled, followed by Williamson who was another lbw victim, it meant that the writing was on the wall, with Chris Cooper left with the tail.

Weal was bowled, leaving Cooper with a face-saving 52 which included six fours and two sixes, leaving Diss with a dismal total of 139.

Defending such a meagre total Diss would have to bowl exceptionally well, and starting off with the spin of Rob Tooke and the pace of Chris Germon gave umpire John Moore a nap hand of lbws when he dismissed Forder. But with Jonker and Barrett cruising to a stand of 86 things looked less than rosy.

Simon Cooper caught and bowled Barrett but Jonker (73no) led his side to victory with a massive 28 overs to spare.

One bright spot for Diss besides the batting of MoM Chris Cooper was the return of wicket- keeper Tom Weal who gave an immaculate display.