Woe for Diss A

On a pleasing summer's day, Diss A slumped to a seven-wicket defeat away at the league's basement boys Beccles A.

Batting first, Diss openers Sean Merrick and Ben Spinks made a solid start, accumulating a partnership of 31 off 11 overs, before Spinks gave Ruddock a return catch.

Ruddock proved to be the thorn in Diss' side with figures of three for 45, also sending Ben Green back to the hutch after just four balls.

Diss were unfortunate as Mark Williamson was forced to retire hurt early on. However, this brought Tom Catalano to the crease, whose bright and breezy 28 helped Diss on to 85 before he was bowled by Reilly.

With skipper Sean Merrick providing the foundation for a good score, Andy Tebble was allowed to free his arms and give the innings a much-needed boost.

Beccles found Tebble in bullish mood, and his sparkling 47, including two thunderous sixes, was the basis of a partnership of 73 inside just nine overs that swung the match back in Diss' favour.

At 159 for four after 35 overs, a good score looked imminent, and despite a cluster of wickets late on, Diss were able to cash in and post a highly competitive total.

Diss struck early when Tom Catalano produced a fine catch straight out of the Jonty Rhodes textbook to give Sparrow an early wicket.

Even though Beccles were scoring freely, Dan Betts and Ben Green combined to dismiss Payley and apply the brakes to the innings. But the dominance of Ruddock again proved decisive, as a third-wicket stand of 62 took the game away from Diss.

Merrick broke Thorpe's stiff resistance, and whilst Diss utilised many different bowling options, Beccles cruised to the seven-wicket win in the 43rd over.

Despite conceding a dismal 38 extras, many of the Diss attack, particularly Robbie West, were unlucky not to be rewarded for their efforts. Once again, Diss may feel slightly harshly done by, as many LBW shouts were turned down by the umpires.

Beccles A (206 for three) beat Diss A (205 for nine) by seven wickets.