Copdock & Old Ipswichian, despite a century opening stand from Martyn Cull and Jaik Mickleburgh, slipped to a seven-wicket defeat at Great Witchingham in their second Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier League clash of the season, on Saturday.

Inserted into bat by their hosts, Copdock posted a total of 254 for nine off their allotted 50 overs, although they failed to cash in on such a strong start.

Mickleburgh and Cull put on 131 for the first wicket, before former Essex opener Mickleburgh was trapped leg before by Michael Jones for 69, accrued off 99 deliveries.

Sam Webb-Snowling plundered four boundaries in a quickfire 18 off just 10 balls, before he was caught and bowled by Carl Rogers, and Jack Beaumont followed next ball, bowled by Rogers.

Cull and Jacob Marston (28) did add a further 31 runs for the fourth wicket, before Cull’s long innings was ended by a run-out to leave the score on 182 for four.

Cull struck a couple sixes and seven boundaries in his knock of 76, off 108 balls, but Copdock continued to lose late wickets in the chase for runs.

Youngster Donald Mlambo did register an unbeaten 20 at the end, to boost the total to 254, and Copdock then claimed an early wicket in the home side’s reply, Matthew Wareing bowling James Spelman (5) to leave the score on nine for one.

However, Sam Arthurton and Hale then took complete charge in a match-winning partnership of 175 for the second wicket.

The damage had already been done, by the time that Marston ran out Hale for 75, even though spinner Beaumont then dismissed Carl Rogers (6) leg before.

Arthurton played a captain’s knock, finishing 128 not out off 152 deliveries. He struck 13 boundaries, plus a couple of sixes.

Michael Jones (27no) was with him at the crease as Great Witchingham completed their victory with seven wickets in hand, and a comfortable 3.2 overs to spare.

All the Copdock bowlers struggled for economy, although Mlalmbo’s five overs cost just 18 runs, and Wareing took one for 33 off his seven overs.

It has been a tough start to the season for Copdock, not made any easier by pre-season injuries to the experienced duo of Chris Swallow and Chris Warn.

They lost their first match off the last ball against Cambridge Granta the previous weekend.