Mattishall obtained a maximum 25 points for the first time this season, against Beccles, and maintained their Alliance Division One status by the narrowest of margins.

Mattishall obtained a maximum 25 points for the first time this season, against Beccles, and maintained their Alliance Division One status by the narrowest of margins.

Mattishall finished level on points with Saxlingham, who looked safe before Saturday's games, but stay up by virtue of winning one more game than their rivals.

Mattishall faced an under-strength, relegated Beccles. Neil Lockwood announced he was giving up the captaincy, having led Mattishall to Division One two seasons previously.

Mattishall were asked to field in hot conditions and started raggedly. After 30 overs Turrell (57) and Porter (90) were looking increasingly comfortable. However, the introduction of Mark Stokes (4-39) put the brakes on their innings. Mark Fordham (3-30) also bowled well. With good bowling and disciplined fielding Mattishall took the last six wickets in nine overs to leave Beccles on 200.

On an excellent batting track Mattishall had only reached 200 once this season. Matthew Cross (28) and Stokes (41) got them off to a solid start then, in perhaps his most crucial innings as captain, Lockwood took the attack to the Beccles' bowlers and with Stokes put on 140 in 22 overs. The departure of Stokes led to a mini collapse as they lost three wickets for just 16 runs, including the magnificent Lockwood for 92, his best score of the season.

But Garth Stoltz (17 not out) and Nathan Gostling (8 not out) saw Mattishall home with eight overs to go.