DUNMOW Cricket Club fell back to earth with a bump as they were made to toil by Ipswich in Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division two.

Having won at Clacton the week before, Dunmow won the toss and batted first on a home wicket that looked full of runs.

An excellent start was made as Luke Swanston and Nav Ali put on 48 for the first wicket, before Ali holed out for 24. Swanston dropped anchor, though, looking to bat through the innings but wickets fell in bunches and 106 for four became 109 for seven when Swanston fell for 48.

Although Josh Rix added some useful runs with a brisk 27 not out and Dunmow at least batted their overs, there was a level of frustration at tea in the home dressing room as they knew 166 was going to be hard to defend.

And so it proved as the Ipswich opening pair built a largely risk-free partnership of 127 before a wicket came from the bowling of Rix.

Ipswich continued serenely, though, and completed their victory with almost nine overs to spare.

On Saturday, Dunmow firsts travel to Easton, while the seconds host Boxted following a comprehensive victory against Kelvedon and Feering thirds that saw them retain top spot in division nine south.