IPSWICH & East Suffolk's torrid start to the 2007 Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship season continued on Saturday.Last season's third-placed side - and 2005 winners - have now lost both their opening matches.

IPSWICH & East Suffolk's torrid start to the 2007 Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship season continued on Saturday.

Last season's third-placed side - and 2005 winners - have now lost both their opening matches.

The Ipswich side's latest defeat came by an eight wicket margin against Maldon after they were bowled out for just 125.

Meanwhile, newly promoted Copdock & Old Ipswichians have started life back in Division One well, following up their opening tie with a six-wicket win over Mistley.

Bardo Fransman blew away Mistley's top order and was well supported by Michael Kay, who picked up two wickets.

Although Mistley rallied John East took two cheap wickets and Fransman finished off the innings with the last two wickets in three balls to end with six for 46.

Chasing a target of 129, Copdock took just 20 overs to knock off the runs, with David Draper racing to 48 and Chris Swallow hitting his first ball for six on his way to 20.

Tristan Jervis then cleared the ropes four times to finish undefeated on 35.

Mildenhall's batting demons came back to haunt them at the weekend as the side relegated from the East Anglian Premier League last season lost to newly promoted Frinton.

Having comfortably dispatched Brightlingsea in their season opener, Mildenhall were bowled out for a miserly total of 146 in the opening innings, James Holmes' (51) resistance at eight in the order proving too late.

Although Mildenhall fared better with the ball, the damage had been done and Frinton ran out winners by two wickets.

Mildenhall vice-captain Jonathan Woods said: “We're quite disappointed because the bowling attacks aren't quite what they are in the Premier League, we just didn't put enough on the board.

“Personally I feel we should be looking to bounce straight back into the Premier league, but we have to be realistic. We've kind of said this year is about rebuilding, so a top-three finish would be good.

“I think a lot of sides will raise their game against us this season, but we have got to perform to make them realise our experience.

“We really should be beating teams like Frinton and should be trying to dominate teams this year. I don't know much about the teams in this league, so you never really know what to expect.

“I know it's easier to stay in the Premier League than get into it, but this was only our second game and I am sure we will bounce back.”

Elsewhere in Division One reigning champions Halstead beat Brightlingsea by 92 runs.