SUFFOLK Under-13s secured a nail-biting win over unbeaten Sussex in their recent Jefferson Cup match at Exning Cricket Club.

Sussex won the toss and elected to bat in what were forecast to be very hot conditions. Sussex struggled under some tight bowling from George Loyd, Matt Allen and Keiran Cloud, all taking two wickets with Henry Hunter, Matt Heywood, Freddie Allum and Toryn Whitehead taking a further wicket apiece.

Excellent fielding and a sharp stumping by wicket keeper Alfie Marston restricted Sussex to 122, having been bowled out after only 35 of their allotted 40 overs.

Suffolk’s batting started brightly with Marston and Dom Palmer combining for a useful partnership, but tight bowling by the two Sussex spinners restricted Suffolk in the middle overs, placing increasing pressure on the middle and lower order batsmen.

Needing 37 from the last five overs with three wickets remaining, the game was finely balanced with Sussex sensing their chance to become cup champions. However, an unbeaten 44 from Suffolk captain Loyd, with assistance from Tom Bastow and Allum saw Suffolk home with three balls to spare for a memorable win over the league leaders, who were previously undefeated in the competition.