SOUTHWOLD CC defied their recent history as they won their opening match of the season for the first time in many a year, with a maximum points 50 run victory over newly promoted neighbours Rumburgh.

SOUTHWOLD CC defied their recent history as they won their opening match of the season for the first time in many a year, with a maximum points 50 run victory over newly promoted neighbours Rumburgh.

Electing to bat, the hosts lost Porter early but Jordan Barber and David Barbrook weathered the early storm from pacemen Brennan and Milne. Gowing was introduced to the attack and got rid of Barber, but Chris Middleditch joined the well set Barbrook, and the pair began to dominate proceedings, putting on 105 for the third wicket, Barbrook making an excellent 65 before holing out to Hulbert in the deep.

Middleditch fell just short of his half-century, losing his off-stump to the returning Milne. Debutant Craig Gorst-Allman then continued the good work by crashing a rapid 48, with Hirst providing stout support, as Southwold rattled up an imposing 212 for 6 in their allotted 40 overs, Godbold picking up some late wickets to end up with 3-43.

In reply, Steve Hines picked up two early wickets as Gowing chipped a return catch, and Brennan lost his middle stump, but the skipper proved expensive, and was replaced by Barbrook, who applied the brakes effectively.

A smart slip catch by Alex Britten accounted for Hadingham, leaving the visitors 68 for 3 after 13 overs. Veteran Roger Middleditch got rid of Godbold via a father and son combination, and Barbrook got due reward as he bowled Ling.

Skipper Moon joined Milne, who was now beginning to up the tempo as Rumburgh strived to chase down the target, and the score had moved to 137 for 5 after 26 overs before Moon was deceived by Barbrook.

Gorst-Allman's off-breaks were introduced and Milne perished to a steepling catch by Shaun Cooper at long-on, and despite some resistance from the tail, Chris Middleditch mopped up with 4-37 from his 8.5 overs, as Southwold eventually ran out comfortable winners in an absorbing encounter.

Southwold have a bye in the Suffolk Alliance Cup this week, but hope to continue winning ways at Worlingworth the following week.