Beccles 'B' v Drayton 'A' 9th June 2007

Beccles B 97 Drayton A 99-7

Drayton, under new skipper Darren Flatt, eventually got home with more than 3 overs to spare in a see-sawing game played on Beccles' second ground at Ringsfield. Rain had left lush long grass in a huge outfield (Beccles' first four came in their last over) and a soft wicket, which increasingly helped seamers and spinners.

Beccles' two capable openers progessed sensibly against Flatt (9-4-13-1) Jamie and Scarff (12-4-22-2), backed by some enthusiastic Drayton fielding, reaching 27 in 11 overs. Andy Denny, back playing after paternity leave, then began a long spell (12-3-22-2), eventually bowling opener Stevens, who played a disciplined innings of 32. Skipper Flatt's sharp fielding brought an unlikely run out and Graham Crowe and Matt Bourne took tidy catches off dipping shots. James Reeve (4.3-0-16-4) winkled some of the lower order out and Drayton were left with 98 to win.

Both Beccles' opening bowlers got movement off the wicket, Smith finishing with 2-15. Despite Daz Flatt's two massive sixes, in an otherwise watchful innings, Drayton found themselves 46-4 in the twenty fifth over, with left arm spinner Stevens turning the ball both ways. Fortunately Neil Chamberlain, back after his holiday, batted with determination and good sense for his 22 not out. Although two wickets fell in the seventies, the arrival of Will Herring hastened the end, as he clattered 13 in an awesome display of clean hitting.