Thetford Town CC 1st XI suffered their first league defeat of the season on Saturday, losing to early promotion contenders Narborough.

Thetford, the visitors, were put into bat by the home side and they duly obliged by racing to 104-1 from the opening 15 overs; Liam Conroy (44), Darren Newey (66) and extras doing most of the damage.

Conroy fell after top edging a delivery straight up, but was replaced by his younger brother Ryan, who looked to carry on the momentum. The high run rate did continue for a while, until Newey and R. Conroy (38) both fell in quick succession.

This did cause the visitor’s innings to stutter; as the Narborough bowlers swung the game back round into their favour, only Shaun Bowden (18 not out) offered the only resistance amongst the unusually long Thetford tail end. Thetford eventually posted a total of 238-9, perhaps 50 runs shy of what they had hoped.

The Narborough innings got off to a slower start, but the opening batsman still made sure the home side kept up with the run-rate. M Broad (61) and C. Hill (57), putting on 108 for the first wicket, with Cameron King taking a very good catch in the deep to remove the former.

Thetford were still very much in the game once these two fell, but a mixture of mini-partnerships, big hitting and some questionable umpiring kept the home side in control. N. King (23), P. Harwood (26) and M. Coe (36 not out) all contributed.

There was a mini revival from Thetford fast bowler David Anderson (2-25), however it was too little too late as the hosts hit the winning runs with three overs to go.

Thetford will feel aggrieved with themselves as they felt they should have scored 50 more runs, considering the initial start they had. But it was a spirited effort and they are sure to bounce back next week at home to Hethersett and Tas Valley A.