BRADENHAM suffered their first Lovewell Blake Norfolk Alliance defeat of the season to second-placed Sprowston on Saturday but still lead the table, now by 14 points.

BRADENHAM suffered their first Lovewell Blake Norfolk Alliance defeat of the season to second-placed Sprowston on Saturday but still lead the table, now by 14 points.

Losing the toss and put in to bat on a drying wicket, Bradenham - missing skipper Brett Gates, with a hamstring injury - soon found themselves on the back foot with Thurley being dismissed for three in the second over of the day.

Luke Findlay and Tianne Mostert put together a useful stand of 51 before Findlay played on for a patient 24.

This brought Patrick Dewing to the wicket, and after a slow start he soon found form with his first six scoring shots all finding the boundary.

However, Bradenham kept losing wickets at vital times with Mostert going for 37, Ryan Findlay nine and then Dewing was run out for 34 to leave Bradenham on 112-5 with 15 overs remaining.

The innings then stalled to some extent and with only 50 runs coming from the last 16 overs of the innings, and a score of 166 was probably 30 less than the home side had hoped for.

Bradenham were keen to preserve their unbeaten record and came out fighting after the break.

Mostert, Mark Cator and Ryan Findlay picked up a wicket apiece to leave Sprowston struggling on 31-3 after 14 overs.

A partnership of 51 then ensued as Hales joined the opener Palmer, but just as the game appeared to be slipping from Bradenham's grasp both batsmen were dismissed by Rob Thurley to renew Bradenham's hopes.

Findlay removed Hossain and Sprowston were still 74 runs from victory with only four wickets and 13 overs remaining.

However, the experienced Geoff Roff was still at the crease and he, together with valuable support from Salmon (14) and Eves (9), scored a priceless 51 not out to see the visitors home with seven balls to spare.