Bradenham made the short journey to face Great Witchingham A on Saturday but couldn't break their duck in Norfolk Alliance Division Two.

The Witches were also near the bottom of the league going into the match and Al Bates asked them to bat first.

From the off, openers Riseborough and Nunn struck the ball cleanly and were able to play through the line on a good track. Opening bowlers Martin Fox and Will Dewing were shown little respect as both batsmen were severe on anything pitched up.

It was change bowler Lewis Bates who broke the partnership when Dewing held a good diving catch at extra cover with the score on 112. G Rogers came in at number three and made 19 before he became Rob Ellis' first victim.

The experienced Carl Rogers was next in and with Riseborough still going well at the other end, they moved the score to 172 before Ellis bowled Riseborough for an excellent 112.

Hale went quickly, caught by Al Bates off Dewing's bowling, and Rogers (35 not out) and Page (40 not out) saw the Witchingham innings through to 254 for four.

Pick of the Bradenham bowlers was Rob Ellis with two for 31 off nine overs.

In response, Bradenham were soon a wicket down with opener Mike Taylor back in the hutch for one, adjudged lbw to Channell's bowling.

Marcus Evans came in at number three and settled well. Bradenham's opener, Pat Dewing was also looking comfortable and they were well up with the required run rate, taking the score to 97 off 19 overs. Having made a good 39, Evans was first to depart, caught at cover trying another forceful shot.

Dewing was out for a well-made 49, caught off the bowling of Wright and a batting collapse ensued with Lewis Bates, Will Dewing, Rob Ellis and Kyle Mikali only making a dozen runs between them. Graham Campbell offered some resistance, making a useful 25 to secure an extra batting point, but after he went the tail soon capitulated, with the innings finishing on 156.

After the match. Bradenham's disappointed skipper Bates said: 'We were going well and were on course at 97 for one but slumped to 118 for 7. We really have to be more resilient if we're to start winning matches. Hopefully we can put things right against Saham Toney in the derby match on the Green (Saturday, 1pm).'