CRICKET: Browns fell to the bottom of the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division One after their fourth league defeat of the season.They were beaten by 53 runs at Sudbury though Browns' captain Martyn Kidd insists his side can climb the table.

CRICKET

BROWNS fell to the bottom of the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division One after their fourth league defeat of the season.

They were beaten by 53 runs at Sudbury though Browns' captain Martyn Kidd insists his side can climb the table.

"We are not panicking yet," said Kidd. "Four years ago in our first season in Division One we lost our first seven matches and stayed up. It is a long season and we have 14 games left. Obviously you can expect some to be rained off but there are lots of games that we can win."

After three heavy defeats against Mistley, Exning and Bury seconds, Browns had appeared to be the division's whipping boys.

Despite their defeat Kidd said Saturday's loss was their best league performance so far and could be the catalyst they needed.

He said: "Our season started on Saturday and for the previous three matches we had not been at the races. Our heads are up but we have three tough games against Wivenhoe, Halstead and Tattingstone and we need one or two wins from them.

South African Grant Rowley made 151 for Sudbury to leave Browns with a large target to chase but Kidd was pleased with his team's effort.

He said: "When you need eight an over you can realise you are not going to win and fold like a pack of cards. On Saturday we showed we can bat all the way down and how well we can play."

Their overseas player Brendan Meagher could be a vital player if Browns are to avoid relegation. Meagher was one of two Browns' batsman to reach a half century against Sudbury with 59 (Joe Lander with 65 got the other) and he has started in fine form after taking four wickets the previous weekend.

Kidd said: "It is Brendan's second season with us so we know exactly what we will get – a hard-

working player who always gives 150 per cent. He is a very good bowler who won't give his wicket away when batting and the club like him.

"It was very difficult at the start of the season as we lost a few players to work and university

commitments but we didn't think we would start as badly as we have done.

"Maybe we need one more class batter but I have confidence with a strong 11 we will be OK. There are no easy games but this season should be one of consolidation."

Tattingstone won the clash of the top two on Saturday to go top of Division One by beating Halstead by 36 runs.

They were helped with another half century from in-form Stuart Hammond as he continued his impressive start to the season. Last week his captain Chris Bell tipped Hammond to play for Suffolk and 77 from the opening batsman will strengthen the calls for him to receive county recognition.

Tattingstone's Gavin Driver took 6 for 56 with Halstead's only resistance coming from Robert Gregg (48 n.o.) and Simon Steel (40).

Exning continue their good start with a 46-run victory against Bury St Edmunds seconds with big scores from Peter Allen (59) and Nigel Lomas (40).

Copdock move up to second after a convincing 98 run win over Wivenhoe. Tristan Jervis was the main contributor with 127 before the brothers of James and John East sealed victory after taking nine wickets between them.

In Division Two, Ipswich and East Suffolk were in action for the first time this season and as they gained all 20 points they leap to top spot.

Mike Pitman took five for 87 as Lakenheath only made 148 but it was never going to be enough and Ipswich and East Suffolk won by five wickets.

Worlington lost by 26 runs to Essex side Witham but the match was overshadowed by an injury to Andy Ford which means he is unlikely to play again this season. He snapped his Achilles tendon when batting and had to retire when on a score of 31. He was carried off the field and later taken to hospital where his leg was put in plaster.

Easton move up to third after beating Mildenhall seconds by 30 runs thanks to a fine all-round

performance by South African Shaun Carlisle who hit 80 then took four for 45.

Woolpit go top of Division Three after defeating Halstead seconds by 16 runs and St Margaret's stay in contention after a 53 run victory against Brighlingsea.

Stowmarket defeated Achilles in a low-scoring Division Four match by four wickets after bowling out the Ipswich-based side for only 73.

The weather wiped out eight of the nine Sunday Challenge matches and the only action took place at Brighlingsea where they entertained Halstead. However, it wasn't long before the rain caused this game to be abandoned after Brighlingsea had reached 91 for three.