Bradenham Cricket Club’s dismal run of form continued in a tight game on the Green on Saturday.

Visitors Thetford invited Bradenham to bat first in a rain-affected match.

Opener Alex Bates was caught early for 2 and Josh Watts followed quickly for 0.

The players came off for rain at this point and when play resumed, Captain Rob Ellis and Marcus Evans could only add 16 between them.

It was left to Harry Steward (15), Matty Brabrooke (25) and Tim Hoare (31) to score the majority of the Bears’ runs towards their total of 134 off their allotted overs.

Bradenham’s bowling and fielding had been tight in recent weeks and so it proved as Thetford were cautious in the approach.

Will Dewing bowled Grayson for 0 in his first over. Cooper joined the dangerous Conroy in the middle and the pair put on 69 before Cooper was bowled by Dewing for 29.

Conroy was going well and the Bears’ cause was not helped when he offered a chance at the wicked which was put down.

Sol Poole eventually trapped Conroy lbw for a good 66 and also bowled Thomas for 10. In a nail-biting finish and with time running, Thetford passed the home team’s total with only one over to spare.

A disappointed Ellis said: “Yet again, our top order didn’t fire and our total came up a little short.

"The bowlers and fielders stuck to their task well however and pushed Thetford all the way in what was a very close finish.”

The match was sponsored by Westcotec Ltd. 

Bradenham CC’s main sponsor is W C Littleproud and Son.