CRICKET: Coddenham & Grundisburgh failed to get over the finish line in a dramatic finish against Melton St Audry's in Section A of the Medite Suffolk Alliance.

CRICKET

CODDENHAM & Grundisburgh failed to get over the finish line in a dramatic finish against Melton St Audry's in Section A of the Medite Suffolk Alliance.

With 16 overs to go Coddenham had matched the home team's total of 119 for the loss of only four wickets, with Adie Green unbeaten on 62. As Conrad Wright began the next over, the rain that had threatened all afternoon began to fall.

Green was bowled and there was some delay as the next batsman was not ready for action. By now there was a backdrop of thunder and lightning and heavier rainfall. Incredibly, two more batsmen came to the wicket and were clean bowled, and a third was run out – and the winning run never did arrive. The over had been completed in heavy rain, and the players left the field with the match abandoned as the pitch quickly flooded.

Earlier Green had collected five for 29 in an impressive Coddenham display in the field.

Yoxford took advantage by extending their lead over Coddenham thanks to a 109-run win over bottom team Caribbeans. The home side recovered from 21 for four thanks to Howard Knights (57) and Paddy Steen (59) to reach 207 for eight, and the Ipswich side were all out for 98 in reply.

Thomas Mills may have to give up their hopes of completing a hat-trick of titles after losing for the fourth time this season at Easton. They were bowled out for 115, with Stewart Keeble and Richard Fernley both taking three wickets, and John Todd's 45 carried Easton to a five-wicket win.

In Section B Nacton lost away to Woodbridge II as Matt Parker (49 not out) and Andy Linford (36 not out) shared an unbroken third-wicket partnership. That cost them second place as AXA/DBSL accounted for Elmsett by 104 runs after M Higgs had top-scored with an unbeaten 71 in a total of 157 for six. Gio took four for 29 as the home team fell for just 53.

Section C leaders Needham Market march on, Andy Teague (55 not out) and Simon Mortimer (42 not out) setting up a nine-wicket win over Easton III, for whom Fred Mitchell scored a half-century.

Pettistree reached 151 against Waldringfield on Saturday, but rain stopped play with the visitors on 81 for one. Next day Pettistree only managed 59 at home to Worlingworth II and lost by seven wickets.

Steve Philpot took seven for 29 as Wortham II bowled Kesgrave II out for 82 on the way to an eight-wicket win while Ben Vincent set up Saxmundham's first win of the season with 110 against AXA/DBSL II.

Simon Rivers scored 96 in the 114-run win for Trimley over Diss Mere Select in Section E.

HOLBROOK have been expelled from the Medite Alliance Cup for fielding too many senior players. Alliance chairman John Boast said last night: "According to our rules you cannot field more than two senior players and they did so against Melton St Audry's and Waldringfield, who have been reinstated."

Holbrook chairman Nick Chenery explained that Holbrook play most of their matches on Sundays and several of their players turn out for other teams on Saturdays. He is uncertain whether the club can continue under the current rules.

Holbrook did not play their Section C match on Sunday while the matter was under review.

St Audry's and Waldringfield are due to meet next Wednesday, with the winners facing Easton in the semi-finals on August 4.