Suffolk coach Andy Northcote says his players have a new sense of belief after achieving their first Unicorns Trophy win under his stewardship in six attempts.

After losing their opening game of the season at Hertfordshire by two wickets off the last ball, Suffolk bounced back to thrash Wiltshire by 105 runs at Ipswich School last weekend.

The result means it’s all to play for as Suffolk head to Tring Park on Sunday to face Buckinghamshire in their third 50-overs-a-side fixture.

Four of the five teams in Group 4 have one win each after the opening two rounds of matches, with only Buckinghamshire yet to get off the mark.

Northcote reserved special praise for the ‘phenomenal’ Martyn Cull, who top-scored with 93, and Matt Salisbury, who produced the best spell his coach has seen him bowl, claiming three wickets for just 15 runs.

Northcote enthused: “We have been building to this moment and have competed well in patches in a lot of games we have lost. This young squad is building and can develop into something really special.

“We seem to be creating a buzz around the county which is getting players wanting to play for Suffolk again. Winning is great but that sense of what we believed in, finally starting to show promise, is a wonderful feeling.

“One win does not make a summer, nor does it mean that we are anywhere near where we should be, but it’s given the players belief that the journey they are taking is going down the correct path.”

Victory was achieved without ex-Essex batsman Jaik Mickleburgh, who pulled up playing for Copdock & Old Ipswichian the day before.

Mildenhall skipper Ben Shepperson, a late call-up Mickleburgh, impressed with the bat, scoring 32 off 30 balls. He retains his place, while Mickleburgh and Michael Comber return.

Suffolk are waiting to see if Matt Hunn is given clearance by Kent to play after taking two for 41 against Wiltshire.

Suffolk squad: Darren Batch, Jack Beaumont, Martyn Cull, Michael Comber, Matt Hunn, Adam Mansfield (wkt & capt), Jaik Mickleburgh, Ben Parker, Tom Rash, Matt Salisbury, Ben Shepperson, Jake Wakeling, Matt Wareing.