In a thrilling game at Swardeston, Old Buckenham failed to get over the line as the game ebbed in favour of either side all afternoon. It ended up with Old Buckenham getting 12 points as they tied with Swardeston, who gained 13 points to add to their Alliance Premier total.

In a thrilling game at Swardeston, Old Buckenham failed to get over the line as the game ebbed in favour of either side all afternoon.

It ended up with Old Buckenham getting 12 points as they tied with Swardeston, who gained 13 points to add to their Alliance Premier total.

For the neutral, it was a fascinating game, but for Buckenham players and supporters, they will be cursing their missed opportunity for a needed win.

Swardeston, batting first, set off at a high tempo. Brian Murphy, having missed being caught behind early on, proceeded to hit anything loose.

Indeed he scored 80 per cent of the early runs. Jimmy Walker was caught at mid-off, Dan Martin at point and Darren Goodrum went lbw to leave Swardeston 92 for three after 22 overs. The crucial wicket of Murphy for 84 was taken by Darren Savage.

Ben Mann was introduced for an inspired spell, taking 4-7 in his next five overs, showing what a talent he really is as Swardeston limped to 198 for nine off their 50 overs.

In reply, Ranabir Nath, opening, started in an attacking fashion. Despite the early loss of Perry (1), Nath continued his onslaught until he was trapped in front for 46.

Fudge followed lbw for three, while Darren Savage (43) and Ben Player (31) took the score to 125 before further losses. The middle order rallied, Rob Austin (34) and Tom Banham (14) took Buckenham to within 21 runs with five wickets standing, before Banham was run out.

Panic then set in and they lost the next four wickets for nine runs. Ali Beales and the skipper scored the next 12 runs to tie the game before Beales was out, stumped off Brian Murphy, to leave the scores level.

Richard Dolding finished with 4-36 and Brian Murphy 3-61.