MUNDFORD'S season effectively came to an end on Saturday as rain washed away any hope of catching second-place Sheringham. With the entire Alliance League programme falling foul to the rain, Mundford were not given any chance of recording an away victory at Dereham.

MUNDFORD'S season effectively came to an end on Saturday as rain washed away any hope of catching second-place Sheringham.

With the entire Alliance League programme falling foul to the rain, Mundford were not given any chance of recording an away victory at Dereham.

The previous week's visit to Sheringham was to prove a massive deciding factor in Mundford's final league placing with inclement weather once again causing problems for groundsmen all over the county.

The two neutral umpires pushed hard for a game and when Sheringham won the toss, Mundford set about amassing a total from their 30 overs. The opening attack of ex-international Pushpakamara and ex-county player Carey proved a handful in testing batting conditions.

Keeler went for three, Allsop joined Price and they both fell with the score on 56, vice-captain Allsop falling in the 30s again. Captain Bailey was to rue the following 13 overs as the chance of a double promotion slipped through Mundford's fingers. Mundford collapsed to 94 all out.

The home side's batting force of Price (11), McColl (8) and Yates (20) all fell to poor shot selection. This passage of play would lay to ruin all the good work gone previously with the Fir Close's side limping to 97, a strong opening burst was required from Yates and Grady was vital.

With wicket keeper Keeler in superb form behind the stumps and a wicket still offering plenty of assistance there was a chance. And when Keeler produced a piece of magic, removing Taylor with a lightning-quick leg-side stumping off Grady, Mundford sensed an upset.

Yates was next with a wicket and Sheringham were teetering at 25-2 when Bailey entered the attack and was to remove Mundford old enemy Pushpakamara and then claim another four balls later.

Later nerves were beginning to appear in the home side's batting. The following half hour was to take the game away from Mundford's brave fight as strong lbw and stumping appeals were turned down. Sheringham won with five wickets remaining, but in reality it was much closer.

Mundford may end up third but following last season's promotion the year has been a tremendous success.