Ipswich (215 for seven, 20pts) beat Dunmow (136, 5pts) by 79 runs.

Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division two

DUNMOW Cricket Club’s top order batting frailties were exposed again as they fell to defeat against Ipswich.

Winning the toss for the third week running, Dunmow elected to bowl, but their opening bowlers were unable to make any significant breakthroughs.

Steve Hamlin, bowling first change, was able to claim wickets in a controlled spell.

With the score at 140 for four , Dunmow were able to put the brakes on, but late hitting got the hosts to 215 for seven.

Matt Gibson and Hamlin both finished with three wickets apiece.

On a good deck, Dunmow were confident of chasing the total down, but these hopes all but evaporated within nine balls of their innings, as openers Luke Swanston and Nick Coupe were dismissed without scoring.

Joe Gallant and Nav Ali rebuilt to an extent, further reinforced by a 50 partnership between Paul M Reid and Gallant, but Dunmow's the tail was exposed to the skill of the Ipswich attack and they were finally dismissed for 136.

Dunmow host Easton on Saturday, while their seconds travel to Boxford.