In what was considered to be a must-win game to give themselves a chance of avoiding relegation as the first half of the season draws to a close, batting frailties once again proved Aldborough's downfall as they had to settle for another draw against Brooke A.

After losing the toss and finding themselves fielding first on a moist, green wicket, Aldborough made a great start with Perry-Warnes (12-3-29-2) picking up the first of his wickets with a looping catch to Plumb at gully. This was followed by a sharp catch at slip by Cramp to put Brooke on the back foot at 8-2. Dingle (10-2-23-0) kept things tight at the other end as Brooke reached 64-3 at drinks, with Smith (12-4-42-4) picking up the third wicket.

Wickets continued to tumble after the break. Smith picked up three further wickets with some accurate outswing and a further good catch at slip by Cramp. Cramp (8-1-30-1) himself picked up a wicket with a catch by Smith at slip, to leave Brooke at 87-7 after 34 overs. Sensing there may be an opportunity to bowl their opponents out for a score close to 100, Aldborough found their opponents going on the counter-attack and some lusty blows in the closing overs saw Brooke up to 141-8 from their 46 overs. Moakes (4-0-13-1) showed great control in the final overs of the innings, picking up the eighth wicket to fall in the process.

Requiring just over three per over for victory, Aldborough were settling in to their task well before a lack of judgement saw Cramp (5) play around a straight full toss. He was shortly followed back to the pavilion by McKinno (8) and Youngman (4), who were both caught, as Aldborough slumped to 20-3. Plumb (3) and Perry-Warnes (18) provided some stability and took the score to 41 before Perry-Warnes was out to a low catch at mid-wicket and Plumb soon followed after a fine catch taken at silly mid-off from a full blown cover drive.

With 21 overs still to play, Robinson (20no) used the time to his benefit. He was supported for a time by Swinbourne before the as yet unbeaten wicket of Aldborough this season finally fell. Following his departure, Phillips provided some brief resistance before Smith (9 not out) joined Robinson to see the innings through to a close.

Aldborough know that they need to improve their performances with the bat if they are to avoid relegation this season. Their next game is in two weeks time away to Bradenham, following Halvergate's withdrawal from the league.

Black Boys man of the match: Ray Smith.

n Aldborough Sunday (67-2) beat Swanton Morley (67) by 8 wickets

Nine-man Aldborough had a day to remember as they recorded a convincing victory in the Mid Norfolk Sunday League. Ashley Moakes spearheaded the bowling attack and was rewarded with four wickets. Matt Skinner (29) was the aggressor with the bat, picking up from his solid 35 last weekend, enabling an early finish to be had.

Black Boys man of the match:Ashley Moakes.