Diss came agonisingly close to victory against Dereham in a low-scoring Norfolk Alliance Division One match at Rectory Meadow.

They ended up just two runs short after dismissing ther visitors for 135.

When Diss skipper Mark Williamson lost the toss, the away side chose to bat first. Dereham scored 31 runs from the opening six overs but a good response reduced them to 41-3 as Barnaby Chenery (1-16) bowled Fitt (18) and Daniel Taylor (2-32) claimed the wickets of Hewitt (9) and Cameron (0).

Mattishall hero Chris Cooper (1-18) was soon introduced and he struck instantly, bowling Bidewell for four. Dereham briefly recovered through David Lake and Daniel Lake before Sam Hunt (1-14) trapped David Lake lbw for 23. Anema came to the crease and scored quickly but an excellent piece of fielding from D Taylor meant that Daniel Lake was run out for 18, sparking a collapse as Dereham went from 110-5 to 119-9.

In that time, the impressive Aidan Browne (2-12) bowled Marczewski (0) and Harbour (1) while Robert Tooke (2-10) got Anema for 24. The Dereham final pair put on a crucial 16 before Gauntlett (15) was the last man out to R Tooke.

Diss were hoping to avoid a repeat of their game against Vauxhall Mallards A, where they dramatically collapsed and almost lost the game. They started in similar fashion though, losing Lewis Taylor for two to Anema (3-24). Chenery soon followed him after edging to first slip of David Lake (1-24).

Cooper (20) and David Tooke (10) steadied the innings, before the latter was adjudged lbw to Anema and Cooper hit one straight back to the same bowler. Diss were looking in some bother on 65-4 at the halfway stage.

Immediately after drinks Diss lost Wilby (6) after he was caught off Gauntlett (1-18). R Tooke lead the Diss recovery though, batting confidently with Brawn (10) and Williamson (13), who both fell to Harbour (4-37). Tooke was then caught at long-off for 57, leaving Diss requiring six off the final two overs.

That set up a grandstand finish, and Diss were unable to get over the line as Hunt was run out with three balls remaining to leave Diss just two runs short of Dereham's total.

Diss face Swardeston A at Hilltops On Saturday (1pm), hoping to return to winning ways.