ANOTHER hugely fragile batting performance consigned Dunmow to another Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division two defeat on a damp overcast day at St Edmunds Lane.

Skipper for the day Luke Swanston lost a key toss and found his side inserted by visiting Elmstead Grasshoppers on a bowler-friendly wicket.

It started well, with Nick Kesingland taking 12 from the first over.

However, that was as good as it as a procession of Dunmow batsmen came and went, falling victim to the bowling of Michael Burle, who included a hat-trick in his figures of six for 21.

A low total was on the cards at 33 for eight and even though James Reyburn was able to build something approaching an innings with a well-made 46, a final total of 81 all out was well below par.

In the field, the bowlers showed what might have been as they built pressure by taking wickets regularly and maintaining a tight line and length, while some good catches were held in the field.

Baz Sewell took three for 39, Matt Gibson one for 15 and Reyburn two for 18 to show that a score of 130 might just have been enough to win the game, but Elmstead reached their target for a four-wicket success.

However, Dunmow seconds claimed a convincing win over Maldon fourths to retain their unbeaten record in division nine south.

On Saturday, Dunmow firsts travel to Ipswich and East Suffolk, while the seconds host West Mersea.