Diss (24 pts) beat Swardeston (6) by 34 runsTHE sun shone on Diss for the visit to Swardeston.In glorious weather an adapted Diss team, giving debuts to three up and coming youngsters Ben Spinks, A Blakely and J Allen, rose to the occasion and played outstandingly well to defeat a powerful Swardeston side by 34 runs.

Diss (24 pts) beat Swardeston (6) by 34 runs

THE sun shone on Diss for the visit to Swardeston.

In glorious weather an adapted Diss team, giving debuts to three up and coming youngsters Ben Spinks, A Blakely and J Allen, rose to the occasion and played outstandingly well to defeat a powerful Swardeston side by 34 runs.

Winning the toss and batting Diss had reached 31 before Rush was bowled by Gardiner for 20. Fellow opener Simon Cooper was joined by Dawson who made 15 before being caught behind to Murphy.

Cooper, mindful of the long tail, dug himself in for the long haul and at the end of the first hour had contributed four runs, all singles. Joined by skipper David Tooke the runs came more freely as both batsmen took a liking to ex Zimbabwean Test cricketer Brian Murphy's leg breaks until Tooke pulled a muscle and had to leave the field.

He did come back later with a runner but debutant Ben Spinks showed some flowing strokes in an unbeaten 20. Cooper was still there and played the perfect innings pushing on until being wicket keeper Herathse's third victim for what proved to be a match winning 85. The final total of 213-6 did not at the time seem enough, but the tenacious Diss team spirit answered that it was.

Swardeston openers Murphy and Martin made a cautious start. Brian Murphy, still only 32, may have played 11 Tests and captained Zimbabwe in 31 one-dayers but he was no match for Henry Rush who had him brilliantly caught down the leg side by Tom Weal. Fellow opener Martin was dismissed by the same pairing for 26.

To win the game Diss had to hold their catches, and this they did. Weal had three, Dawson an out of this world chance in the deep, Chris Cooper and a hobbling D Tooke. Will Dawson, Rush and Chris Cooper took three wickets apiece and Simon Cooper the other one. Young keeper Tom Weal had another fine game, not conceding a bye and holding on to three difficult chances. All in all this was a fine team effort with everyone contributing as the home side was dismissed for 179.

Scores: Diss 213-6 (Simon Cooper 85, C Gardener 3-48), Swardeston 179 all out (Baldwin 36, P Thomas 37 not out, Dawson 3-26, C Cooper 3-27, H Rush 3-49).

Diss Man of the Match Simon Cooper, his patient innings won the game for Diss.