Beetley began the second half of their campaign in the Norfolk Cricket League Division Two West in a match that had virtually all the hallmarks of the first half.

Great effort, lack of numbers and ultimately a brave defeat in a game played in an enjoyable spirit.

Beetley chose to bat first against a Garboldisham B side that lay mid table. A familiar start unfolded and at 11-3 and 23-4, and with only nine players, a humbling total loomed.

Nick Calvert and Luke Cordon played well, using selective hitting and stoic defence to add 46 before Cordon was caught at square leg for 18.

As often one brings two and Calvert followed with the score on 70 for a well-made 34. Sadly unlike previous weeks the lower order couldn't help out and Beetley were all out for 88 in the 40th over.

After a good tea and with a wedding reception being held in a marquee just a few yards from the boundary edge at the village hall, Garboldisham began their reply.

A straightforward looking chase didn't quite appear as easily as the visitors expected.

Tight bowling from Beetley's openers Michael Calvert (9-2-26-2) and Luke Cordon (6-1-15-1) kept the score at 24-2 off the first 10 overs.

While never looking like winning the game Beetley stuck well to their task, six fielders doing the job of nine and tight support bowling of Paul Taylor (6-2-11-1), son Mark Taylor, in his first and probably last appearance of the season, (3-0-14-1), Des Curry (3-1-8-0) and Ian Clarke for his first competitive bowl in over three years 3.2-1-11-0.

Clarke receiving rapturous applause for the maiden he bowled from the wedding tent although it may have coincided with the speeches.

Garboldisham B got the 89 for victory for the loss of five wickets in the 31st over.

This week Beetley travel to Drayton (1.30pm start).

Elsewhere in Two West Narborough march on, Matt Coe shining in their win with 87no. Great Ellingham successfully defended 97, while Garboldisham and East Harling were the other winners.

In Two East Southwold moved to second due to skipper Sam Booker's 42 and 4-33. Tim Moorse took 5-25 for Sprowston B in their victory, while Aylsham's Steve Richards (5-14) and Iqbal Hussain (4-28) whipped out Gillingham for 48.