Beccles still have survival chance

Beccles CC's first team gave themselves a chance of survival in Division One of the Norfolk Alliance with a maximum- points victory in a reduced-overs game over fellow relegation candidates Bradfield at Beef Meadow.

Town skipper Sydenham once again won the toss and decided to bowl, and his decision paid instant dividends as Fisher and the revitalised Turrell bowled some testing deliveries.

This led to the run-out of Register after a sharp piece of work from Wright, shortly followed by Grapes for a duck, Bradfield 9-2.

Some poor fielding and steady batting meant that the experienced Bidewell and Amiss could build the platform for a good score, but when Fisher ran out Bidewell for 60 and then dismissed Amiss for 52, it sparked a collapse in the Bradfield order, from 155-4 to 201 all out.

Fisher and Turrell, with four wickets each, were the pick of the bowlers.

With a required rate of five an over, Beccles needed a good start, and despite losing youngster Puxley early, Rich Turrell and Rob Porter began scoring quickly with some lovely strokes.

However Turrell and Porter both fell, and after then losing Ross it was anyone's game to win at 86-4.

Richard Porter had began to hit the ball very well however, and partnerships with Dave Turrell and Mike Fisher got Town to 124-6, needing around six an over.

Skipper Sydenham then came to the crease, and instantly found some of the form he has missed over the year. He and Porter kept up with the rate with ease with some excellent running between the wickets and the occasional big hitting, both batsmen clearing the ropes.

With only one run needed for victory, Porter edged to the keeper for a brilliant knock of 92 and the end of a match-winning partnership of 75 between him and Sydenham (27 no).

The winning runs came in wides, and gave Town the chance of survival if other results go their way this weekend, and if a win at Norwich is achieved.

Man of the match was Richard Porter.