Beccles and Bungay both suffered setbacks to their promotion ambitions in the Norfolk Alliance on Saturday.

Beccles went down by 37 runs to Swaffham in Division Two while their neighbours were well beaten at home by Division Three leaders Martham.

Both sides remain well placed in their respective tables however, with Beccles still second - albeit now only three points above Hethersett and Tas Valley - and Bungay third, 21 points adrift of the top two.

Beccles will be aiming to get their campaign back on track tomorrow when they entertain Great Witchingham A while Bungay have a good chance to get back to winning ways at bottom of the table North Runcton A (both 1pm).

Swaffham successfully defended a modest total of 173-7 at the weekend as they dismissed Beccles for just 136.

Jack Coggles was the most successful bowler, taking 4-26, while opener Rob Porter was the top scorer by some distance for Beccles with 41. Earlier the Payne brothers had once again impressed, with Jasper making 78 and Alex 40 in a match that was reduced to 35 overs a side by the threat of rain.

Bungay’s eagerly awaiting home match with Martham turned sour as they were dismissed for 109, with opener Nick Lo (28) and Jack Masters (26) the main contributors.

Martham’s reply was emphatic, with Louie Stronach (21) and Finn Grist putting on a brisk 61 for the first wicket. Louis Smith joined Grist at the crease and the runs continued to flow before Martham reached their target in just the 14th over, Smith unbeaten on 24 and Grist on 59.

Meanwhile there was a boost for Beccles, with Alex Wright being named as the Cecil Amey Player of the Month for June. He made scores of 59, 138 and 85 during the month, coupled with bowling performances of 4-30 and 5-22.