Bradenham Bears cricket club lost an important bottom-of-the-table clash to Downham and Stow on Saturday.

The home skipper asked an unusually strong-looking D&S team to bat first on what was a cool and damp afternoon.

Will Dewing was soon in the wickets, bowling opener Corbett for 0 in his first over. Wilcox soon followed for 9, Dewing taking a fine catch off Martin Fox’s bowling.

Watson and Thompson dug in for the visitors and played elegantly moving the score to 174.

Watson was caught and bowled by Ellis for 97 and Thompson went for 98, caught behind off Bates’ bowling. Ford was 34 not out at the end, with D&S finishing on a good score of 262.

In reply, Bears openers Scott and Evans put on 18 for the first wicket when Scott was caught behind for 5. Josh Watts was quickly LBW for 2.

Ellis & Evans provided a mini revival before the latter was somehow bowled around his legs for 24.

Ellis was LBW with the score on 78.

New batsman Dewing soon got into his stride and caressed the ball to all parts. When he was out caught for 51 to an optimistic appeal from the D&S wicket-keeper which was surprisingly upheld by the umpire, the writing was on the wall for the Bears.

The teams came off for rain at one point and Noah and Sol Poole wagged the team tale at the end well. Indeed, heavy rain fell again but the umpires seemed intent on playing through and finishing the match come what may and the final score ended short on 195.

Bears chairman Tim Evans said: “We’re obviously disappointed.

"We knew this would be a difficult game against a strong Downham side and I was personally disappointed with some decisions taken by the officials.

"Nevertheless, we have to take it on the chin and hopefully win one of our last two matches starting with Acle next week.”