AFTER another disappointing game Mundford need to put together a run of better results to get away from the relegation zone.They played host to mid-table North Runcton seconds in what could prove to be a pivotal game for both clubs.

AFTER another disappointing game Mundford need to put together a run of better results to get away from the relegation zone.

They played host to mid-table North Runcton seconds in what could prove to be a pivotal game for both clubs.

The Stags are now facing a battle to stay in Alliance Division Two while their opponents are now looking to build on the efforts of one man, their overseas player Clint Berkinshaw, who put in a match-winning display.

Captain Alex Bailey said afterwards: “We need to pick ourselves up off the floor and come back hard away to Beccles this weekend.

“It looks a straight fight between us, Garboldisham and Hillington for the final relegation spot and we need a little run of results to push ourselves away from the danger zone.”

Having previously played out a tight winning draw only three weeks ago another repeat performance was likely between evenly-matched sides.

But Mundford did not count on the fact that Runcton would have in their ranks an overseas player who had played most of the season in the Alliance Premier, a selection that would change the course of the match and maybe Mundford's season.

Mundford elected to bowl first in the heat. Bailey opened the bowling with Grady. They did have some effect but containment was always going to be difficult at the Fir Close ground considering the batting track and the size of the outfield. Grady did manage one solitary breakthrough, well held by his skipper at first slip.

But Runcton's captain was paired with their overseas star in a blistering 205 second-wicket partnership. Mundford tried every option available to them. Leeder bowled well, as did Allsop but with so many wickets to play with the only field they would be able to bowl to was an extremely defensive one. This gave the opposition plenty of gaps to capitalise on.

Yates picked up another precious reward. As the visitors raced to 272 from the 46 overs, the home side did feel hard done by as the effort and bowling did not warrant chasing such a large total. To the credit of the fielders they all kept the effort going.

In reply, Bailey and Yates set about mounting the challenge. Bailey went for 44, this bought White to the crease with. Another counter attacking performance from White, with 36, and a second consecutive half century for Yates.

Once Woods had departed for 15, Burt went first ball.

Allsop tried to marshall the tail but Berkinshaw was to have the final say, finishing with a century and six wickets in a match-winning display.