CRICKET: Pipped for the title by Exning last season Copdock whipped the west Suffolk side out for just 108 when the league season opened on Saturday.His fast bowlers did not fancy bowling uphill and into the wind so skipper John East did so himself and grabbed six for 43 with his spinners.

PIPPED for the title by Exning last season Copdock whipped the west Suffolk side out for just 108 when the league season opened on Saturday.

His fast bowlers did not fancy bowling uphill and into the wind so skipper John East did so himself and grabbed six for 43 with his spinners.

Keith Metcalfe gave Exning some hope by dismissing both Copdock openers for ducks, but Australian Nick Grover (66) and James East (37 not out) ensured victory with 15 overs to spare.

Mistley returned to Division One in style with a 49-run win against Browns at Rushmere. The man of the match was Australian John Douvlos. After Paul Garwood had worked hard for 53, Douvlos struck five big sixes in a 30-ball innings of 49 that pushed the Mistley total to 170 for eight.

Then he combined with Matt Bibby (five for 47) to removee Browns for 121.

In the 2001 League Cup final, held over after being postponed last season, Clacton were comfortable winners over Browns.

Sean McKiernan took three for 14 as Browns struggled to 82 all out (Neil Parry 25, John Manning 23 not out) and although they lost five wickets on the way (Tan Shahid three for 30) Clacton got home with something to spare (J Snowdon 28 not out, Mark Jones 26).