Another frustrating weekend - but Dereham are still well placed
Cricket action between Bungay (batting) and Swardeston B. Swardeston bowler Blake Bowden takes the wicket of Martyn Ramm.Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
Dereham suffered more frustration as their Norfolk Alliance Division One promotion bid was hit by the weather for the second weekend running.
Having seen their home fixture against leaders Diss rained off when they reached 35-3 after bowling their rivals out for just 140 Dereham were hoping for something better when they travelled to Bradfield on Saturday.
But sadly they were again thwarted by the weather when even better placed to pick up a win that would have propelled them back into the top two.
As it was they had to settle for 13 points from a draw, but with the top of the table clash between Diss and Swardeston A also being abandoned they actually made up a little ground, closing the gap on second placed Swardeston to just four points.
So with four matches left to play there is still everything to play for ahead on Saturday's home match against Vauxhall Mallards A (1pm start).
Michael Seago finished unbeaten on 88 as Bradfield made a solid total of 228-9 at the weekend.
Dereham looked to be cruising to victory on 200-6 after 41 overs (Jake Anema 53 not out) when the rain arrived.
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Mattishall remain bottom of the table, 44 points adrift of the safety mark, after losing to Mallards by nine wickets.
With Ryan Pearce taking 4-11 Mattishall were dismissed for just 127, Nick Riches top scoring with 36. The chase was completed with the minimum of fuss, with Harry Barker making 53.
Mattishall really will be drinking at the last chance saloon on Saturday when they travel to fellow strugglers Lowestoft.
Dereham A were on the wrong end of a batting masterclass as they went down by 102 runs at home to Topcroft A. Visiting batsmen Ben Baldwin made an unbeaten 164 as the visitors declared of 263-6, with the hosts finishing on 161-5 in reply. Professional golfer Andrew Marshall top scored with 29 not out, having earlier taken two wickets.
Mattishall A made 210-8 against Great Melton A and then bowled them out for 121 (Jake Mayall 95 not out, Ben Hudson 52, Keenan Stokes 4-23).
