Jack Beaumont scored his first century in the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier League as Copdock & Old Ipswichian secured an exciting four-wicket home win over Burwell, with just two balls to spare.

Chasing a target of 241, Copdock sneaked home via Jed Cawkwell’s big six off the third last ball of the day.

Burwell made 240 all out, thanks chiefly to a brisk 88 from Paul Summerskill at No. 4. The Burwell wicketkeeper struck two sixes and six fours in his 98-ball stay, helping the visitors to recover from a precarious 136 for six.

Summerskill put on 90 for the seventh wicket with Sam Rippington (40), before the former was caught by skipper Tom Rash off the bowling of Beaumont, who took four for 46. Fellow spinner Stephen Croft also impressed with figures of 10-0-29-2.

Copdock were soon struggling in their reply, losing both of their experienced openers Martyn Cull (fifth-ball duck) and Jaik Mickleburgh (5), both victims of Rippington.

Alex Oxley (17) was also run out, to leave the hosts on 48 for three, but Beaumont and Chris Swallow, back in the side after injury, then shared a fourth wicket stand of 144 to put Copdock on course for victory.

Beaumont made 103 off 124 balls, with 14 fours, while Swallow contributed 64 off 70 deliveries. Skipper Rash (22) and Cawkwell (17no) then saw the Suffolk side over the line.

“We have been inconsistent all season, not just from game-to-game, but within games as well,” explained captain Rash.

“It was a used wicket, which is often the case at this stage of the season, but it was still a good wicket so we were pleased to get them all out for 240, although we did let them off the hook a little bit. For once, we did not get off to a great start in our reply, and I don’t think we batted with enough intent up top.

“However, Jack (Beaumont) scored his first Premier League century, and both he and Chris (Swallow) played with patience, building an innings and then accelerating near the end. The run-rate was always around seven or eight an over, which was manageable on our wicket.

“Jack and Chris then went in quick succession, so it was a bit closer than it should have been,” added Rash.