A superb knock of 83 from Will Dewing was not enough to stop Bradenham Cricket Club slipping to another home defeat to Swardeston II on a hot afternoon on Saturday.

Asked to bat by the visitors, The Bears’ opening duo of Dewing and Marcus Evans started cautiously but within a few overs, both were into their stride.

Playing elegantly, Dewing exhibited all the shots whilst Evans was a more than adequate foil.

With good drives and pulls of his own they put on 70 for the first wicket before Evans was out to a mistimed hook shot for 28.

Josh Watts came in but departed quickly, bowled for 0 by Elliot and the rot set in, as has been the ‘norm’ for the Bears over recent weeks.

Dewing was still going well but was eventually caught and No’s 3 to 11 could only muster 35 runs between them. 

Bradenham finally reached 174 thanks to 28 extras gifted from the bowling team.

In response, Dewing accounted for opener Krathge for 9 but Shearing and Fox dug in, putting on 63 for the next wicket.

Skipper, Rob Ellis, and Bates accounted for each respectively but the agony was only prolonged with Elliot and Bilham passing the required total and each finishing not out on 50 and 24 respectively.

Ellis said after the match: “We’re now halfway through the season and we really must improve to avoid a relegation battle that nobody wants.

"We’ll be doing all we can to try and get a result next week against Diss at home.”

The match was sponsored by Westcotec Ltd and Bradenham CC’s main sponsor is WC Littleproud and Son.