Bungay A recorded a hard-fought victory over Horsford B by the narrow margin of 15 runs in a tense encounter at Maltings Meadow, closing the gap on the leaders in Division Three.

Bungay A recorded a hard-fought victory over Horsford B by 15 runs in a tense encounter at Maltings Meadow, closing the gap on the leaders in Division Three.

Electing to bat, openers Tim Porter and Carl Cudden posted their fourth half-century opening stand, punishing some loose opening bowling as they got to 50 in the 12th over.

Barber then introduced himself into the attack and the score was stuck for a few overs. Cudden got out trying to hit the spin of Scarfe, and Smith joined Porter.

The pair took the score on to 85 before Porter chipped one to mid-wicket just three short of a half-century.

The visitors fought back as the runs dried up, the score being 115 in the 35th over when Smith was bowled by Barber, who returned one for 22 off his 11 overs.

Haines perished to Hunt, but Dave MacPhillie (44) hit some lusty blows in the final overs as Bungay somehow got to

150 for seven off the allotted overs, below par on a goodish surface.

Bungay knew they had to get early wickets and they were helped by the visitors, as a dreadful call ensured that Cuffley was run out by a distance as the ball was played to Porter at mid-on.

Darren Flatt then removed Hunt for a single, and Mick Thornton got Leck to pick out MacPhillie at square leg to leave Horsford reeling at 21 for three after seven overs.

Flatt then bowled Lincoln with the score at 41, and Bungay were in the game. Spenceley and Watson then began to find the range, and Haines and Pawsey replaced the opening bowlers.

The batsmen put on 48 and looked to be taking control of the game, but shortly after drinks, Pawsey got Spenceley to pick out Flatt at long-off, and Bungay had the breakthrough they were looking for.

Flatt was re-introduced immediately into the attack and picked up the wickets of Scarfe, Weber and Rooney in a hostile second spell of bowling to finish with the superb figures of 5-39 from his 12 overs, as 89 for four became 117 for nine.

Watson was still there and had designs on winning the game, but Luke Pawsey applied the finishing touch as he demolished the stumps to ensure victory for the hosts in an enthralling match.

Bungay travel next to the first of a double header against Saham Toney A.