BRADFIELD put on a better performance against Saham Toney in a close game but came away losing by 26 runs in Norfolk Alliance Division One.Batting first, Saham made a steady start making 61 in the first 20 overs for one wicket down, Wood run out for 38.

BRADFIELD put on a better performance against Saham Toney in a close game but came away losing by 26 runs in Norfolk Alliance Division One.

Batting first, Saham made a steady start making 61 in the first 20 overs for one wicket down, Wood run out for 38. He was soon followed by Palmer for a slow 23.

Fahy upped the anti after getting dropped in single figures and made a hard-hit 64 with useful contributions coming from Mower (23) and Dyer a run a ball 33 taking Saham to a challenging 228-5.

Bradfield made a sure start going at nearly five an over for the first 10 with good shots from Register (50) and Grapes (22).

But Bradfield then faltered, going from a healthy 91-1 to 110-4.

Abbs (34) and Yarham (26) rebuilt and seemed to get their side into a good position until they both fell leaving the visitors 182-7.

Reynolds then tried for the draw but was bounced out by the rapid Dyer which left Bradfield all out for 202, three short of the ninety per cent target.

Bradfield's Sunday campaign in Mid Norfok League Burgess Shield Division Two kept up a good head of steam with a 65-run win over Saxlingham.

Batting first, Bradfield's youngsters got off to a good start with U15 players Scanlon (10), Hewetson (17) and Croft (14) getting the visitors of at six an over.

Carter made a quick 16 and at four wickets down Sam Kimber came to the party with a well compiled 89 supported well with quick runs from Grapes (27) and Abbs (28) at the end Bradfield finishing on 251-9.

With good runs on the board the youngsters could again provide the bulk of the attack with Seago, T J Wiseman and Hewetson all in the wickets.

The mainstay of Saxlingham's reply being the opposition captain Creasey with 95. Saxlingham ending on 186-8.

Lees Flooring Man of Match: Sam Kimber 89.

Hoping to continue after last week's victory and fielding practically their strongest side since the start of the season Bradfield A entertained Mattishall A.

Under an overcast sky, with humid temperature and the threat of rain, Mattishall inserted the home side on a near-perfect batting wicket lovingly prepared by groundsman W Wright.

Experienced swing bowling from Hubbard kept openers J Amies and S Kimber on their toes. Adopting his usual aggressive mode Kimber went after Wilby but fell foul of a wider delivery edging it through to the keeper for 23.

This brought the out of form J Gray to the crease in need of some runs and with Amies pushed the score to 66 where Amies was caught for 27.

Making his second appearance for Bradfield A the hard hitting C Delucci soon kicked off his innings with a single and then a six.

Mattishall took no further wickets as Gray and Delucci added 230 runs. Hitting nine sixes and nine fours Delucci was unbeaten on 124 whilst Gray hit 16 fours to remain unbeaten on 102.

Although Mattishall used eight bowlers none were able to contain the onslaught leaving them the total of 296 to chase.

From the outset it was clear Mattishall were not looking to chase down the total set or even consider getting close.

A wicket offering very little to the bowlers meant skipper Amies had to switch his bowlers around to tempt the uninterested batsmen.

All credit to the fielding side who kept their concentration through one of the most boring innings of the season.

Mattishall we assume achieved whatever their goal was in batting out to gain a losing draw, posting a total of 118 for nought.

A more positive approach from the Mattishall captain might have got them closer to the total and made a more interesting game.

For his knock of 124 not out C Delucci was made Papworth Farms man-of-the-match.