Beccles throw away chance to move up

A massive game for both sides ended in a narrow win for hosts Hales as Beccles threw away a chance to move into the promotion places again.

Beccles captain Alex Sydenham won the toss and put the home side into bat and this decision paid dividends as the fired up Etteridge and Turrel made early inroads into the Hales line-up, both openers falling to Turrel, and Etteridge picking up the danger man Harmer as well as Squire and Ramsdale for ducks. Hales were 27-5.

The introduction of Vihm brought further wickets and with Hales at 78-8 Beccles were well on top. However, this brought Rowe to the crease who once again got his team out of jail with a patient innings to hold the tail together as Beccles slipped off the gas and let the home side back into the game.

He was well supported by Lovick and Squire to push Hales up to a defendable target of 124 to win.

Beccles started poorly in their chase as in-form Porter got a snorter from Squire in the first over. However, Richard Turrel and Richard Porter began to rebuild putting on 31 before Turrel was caught in the gulley and then Vihm, Ruddock and then Porter to a great caught and bowled from Pearce to leave the game in the balance at 61-5.

Sydenham and Anderson brought some experience to the crease and began to rebuild until Sydenham was unlucky to be caught lbw and Anderson was bowled with Beccles at 91-7.

Tony Wright rolled back the years and showed his credentials for a first team place and brought the visitors within touching distance of their target. However, Rowe came back on to remove Turrel and George and then Wright followed as Beccles fell short by just nine runs.

Beccles must win tomorrow at home to second place Swardeston in order to revive their season.