Jaik Mickleburgh steered Copdock & Old Ipswichian to back-to-back victories, with a classy innings of 99 in the Suffolk side’s three-wicket win at home to Horsford on Saturday.

Fresh from their first win of the summer, at home to Bury St Edmunds the previous weekend, Copdock bowled well to reduce their Norfolk visitors to 165 all out, off 41.2 overs.

Former Essex county stalwart Mickleburgh then produced a match-winning innings, at the top of the order, and was only dismissed with two runs still required for victory.

“It was a master-class from Jaik (Mickleburgh). He showed what a class player he is,” enthused Copdock captain Tom Rash.

“In fact, Jaik played like someone who should really still be playing in the professional game.

“He played both spin and pace so well in what were some very tricky conditions, and the only blemish was that he got out with just two runs needed, caught in the covers while trying to hit the winning runs and also get to his hundred.

“We lost a few too many wickets than we would have liked, so it was a bit tight, but we still won with six overs in hand,” added Rash.

Skipper Rash lost the toss, for the fourth time running, but was not too displeased when Horsford opted to bat first.

The visitors lost half of their wickets with just 56 on the board, Rash himself removing both openers. He finished with figures of 10-0-39-3. His new ball partner, Matt Wareing, also caught the eye with 10-1-33-2, and Horsford were indebted to 60 from their captain Ryan Findlay, batting at No. 7, to at least get above 150.

Copdock were quickly reduced to 36 for two, but Mickleburgh kept them in the driving seat, striking 14 boundaries in his brilliant 99. He received good support from Stephen Croft (28 not out) late in the innings.

“It was the same pitch we had used against Bury, so the wicket was expected to take spin. That is Horsford’s main strength, which is probably why they chose to bat first,” said Rash.

“But there was cloud cover as well, which helped our swing bowlers. We conceded too many extras (29), and let them get 30 more runs than they should have done, but Jaik batted fantastically to see us home,” added Rash.