SHERINGHAM'S unbeaten start to their Norfolk Alliance Division Two season came to an emphatic end on Saturday at the hands of an improving Dersingham side.

SHERINGHAM'S unbeaten start to their Norfolk Alliance Division Two season came to an emphatic end on Saturday at the hands of an improving Dersingham side.

Having won the toss, Sheringham skipper Jimmy Hall invited Dersingham to bat first and this decision provided early reward as A Poll was caught in the slips off Ravi Pushpakumara for four.

But this brought the Dersingham overseas professional to the wicket, S Dharasia, and with Barrett he started to build an impressive partnership. They punished the poor bowling and looked comfortable throughout as they took the score to 92 when Barrett was bowled by Andy King for a well-made 32.

However, the pivotal moment in the match had already occurred when Stuart Smith induced a false shot from Dharasia when he was on just 25, only for the easy chance to be put down in the covers. Dharasia then completely dominated the innings and made a match winning 140 not out.

He was ably supported by A Dobing with an aggressive 30 not out, and the innings closed on a daunting 255-4. King was the only bowler to emerge with any credit finishing with 2-34.

The league leaders still felt confident of chasing down the total, but the innings never gained the momentum required. And when three quick wickets fell, removing Blackiston, Sutton and Hall to leave them 40-3, it seemed they would fall short.

Pushpakumara and Chris Carey tried to salvage the run chase but they both fell under the pressure for 27 and 16 respectively.

Kristian Howell, having earlier retired hurt to a toe injury, returned to move the score along but fell in controversial circumstances for a well made 46 and the chase was over.

It was then just a case of survival , something the Sheringham batsmen were unable to achieve. M Hazel finished with 4-47 and A Dobing 3-32 as the favourites fell 110 runs short on 145 all out.

Dersingham moved up to third and Sheringham fell back into second place, still 17 points clear of their opponents. Saham Toney lead by 18 points.

The Lobsters know that their performance was not acceptable and are left wondering what might have been had the all important catch been taken earlier in the day.

Hayes & Storr Man of the Match: Andy King.

This week sees Sheringham visit North Runcton A where they will be looking for a much improved performance.

Sheringham A entertained Gooderstone and got their season back on track with a comfortable nine-wicket victory.

K Webb (3-18) and J Moy (4-8) helped to restrict the visitors to just 105 all out before A Graver (57 not out) and W Neave (36 not out) shared an unbeaten second-wicket partnership of 100 to see Sheringham home.

Sheringham will be looking for another first-class performance when they entertain third-placed Leverington as they hope to mount a serious West Norfolk League Division Two promotion challenge.

Premium Wine Collections Man of the Match: Kevin Webb.