Thetford A slumped to a hugely disappointing 77-run defeat at home to Bircham.A depleted Thetford were facing one of the best attacks in the league, but this was still a poor batting performance and too many catches were dropped.

Thetford A slumped to a hugely disappointing 77-run defeat at home to Bircham.

A depleted Thetford were facing one of the best attacks in the league, but this was still a poor batting performance and too many catches were dropped.

Their next game is away to Gooderstone, where they hope to bounce back.

After an excellent display with the ball, dismissing a strong Bircham side for 143, Thetford's batting capitulated to a paltry 56. Put in on a difficult, drying wicket, Bircham struggled to score against accurate bowling from Matt Kerling and Jason Peters, 16, losing two wickets.

C Greeves (61) and G Preston (25) survived and slowly pushed the score on, although Thetford dropped several catches.

J King (28) also supported Greeves well after the Danny Phelps had removed Preston.

Ryan Conroy, 13, chipped in with a wicket to support Peters (5-41) and Kerling (3-19). The innings ended on 143.

Thetford's reply started badly with Keith Greyson going first - and then deteriorated.

Tony Wright (3-5) showed his class but most Thetford wickets fell to poor shots against the weaker bowlers.

Only Scott Richardson (10), Simon Lewis (16) and 16-year-old Nicky Shepherd (12) provided any real resistance.