THE Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Over-50s side suffered two defeats last week.A Brantham XI defeated their visitors by two wickets with two balls to spare on Wednesday.

THE Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Over-50s side suffered two defeats last week.

A Brantham XI defeated their visitors by two wickets with two balls to spare on Wednesday.

The Two Counties were dismissed for 184, with John Stuck top-scoring with 57 and former EADT and Evening Star sports reporter Bruce Jackson contributing 35. Although Martin Southwell then picked up five wickets Adrian Stockton struck an undefeated 48 as Brantham won a closely-contested match which will hopefully become an annual fixture.

Two Counties Over 50s 184 (J Stuck 57, B Jackson 35, C Orman 3 for 36). Brantham XI 185 for 8 (A Stockton 48no, P Brackley 42, M Southwell 5 for 74). Brantham XI won by 2 wkts.

The MSC Suffolk Alliance League Seniors then inflicted a seven-wicket defeat on the Two Counties Over-50s at Easton on Thursday. The Two Counties, who were put into bat, posted 173 for eight off 45 overs, but consistent scoring by their hosts saw them reach 174 for three in reply.

Two Counties Over 50s 173 for 8 (G Penny 41, S Marks 36, M Southwell 30no, B Tompkins 2 for 24, N Pearce 2 for 31, C Wright 2 for 32). MSC Suffolk Alliance League Seniors 174 for 3 (R Jenkin 39no, N Pearce 37no, F Mitchewll 37, M Southwell 3 for 24). MSC Suffolk Alliance League Seniors won by 7 wkts.

THE Marshall Hatchick Over-50s cricketers take on Ipswich and East Suffolk Past and Present at Chantry Park tomorrow at 2pm. There will be food available after the match and a race night in the evening.

The team is: Richard Kemp (Long Melford, capt), John Stuck (Clacton), David Oakes (Sudbury), Martin Southwell (Maldon), Graham Howell (Ipswich), Russ Abbott (Ipswich), Alan Cooke (Ipswich), Bruce Tompkins (Woodbridge/OWs), Martin Barlow (Mistley), John Bradley (Ipswich), Don Curtis (Copford). Ump: Barrie Phillpotts. Scr: Ken Sparkes.

On Friday, the Over-50s put out two sides at Maldon, one of which will compete for the John Ellis Memorial Trophy. Both matches start at 11.30 with one at Drapers Farm and the other at The Promenade. There will be food available after the game and a Jazz band in the evening.

The side at Drapers will be: Phil Cox (Long Melford, capt), Ray Black, Stuart Carpenter (Long Melford), Stefan Marks (Melton St Audry's), John Stuck (Clacton), Edgar Dunkley, Steve Butcher (Mistley), Bruce Tompkins (Woodbridge/OWs), Bob Richards (Ipswich and East Suffolk), Sylvester McKnight (Boxted), Derek Messent (Earls Colne). Ump: Barrie Phillpotts. Scr: Wendy Black.

The side at The Promenade will be: John Stonehouse (Eight Ash Green, capt), John McNally, Alan Cooke, Graham Howell, Andrea McNally, Russ Abbott (Ipswich), Martin Lambert, Trevor Mills (Mistley), Brian Robinson (Kelvedon), Ivan Newman, Brian Poulson (Long Melford). Ump: John Bloomfield. Scr: Ken Sparkes. Both teams to meet and change at Drapers Farm at 10.30am.