Belton attempted to kick start their season at home to lowly-placed Diss A. Shorn of five regulars they sought to avenge the embarrassing defeat suffered at Diss.

Belton attempted to kick start their season at home to lowly-placed Diss A.

Shorn of five regulars they sought to avenge the embarrassing defeat suffered at Diss.

Belton decided to bat first on a greenish Southtown Common wicket. Steve Day and Steve Parr had reached 20 when Parr chipped a catch to mid-off. Gooderham tormented Jackson for an over before he bowled him for nine.

A 60-run partnership ensued between Day (33) and Jay Patel (31), but after their departure runs slowed dramatically.

Farhad Khan and Gary Warner rebuilt with a 45-run partnership.

Their demise signalled a collapse as the last four Belton batsmen failed to score, but helping Warner to push the score to 165 from

39.2 overs.

The Diss reply was punctuated by a 40-minute delay mid-innings for a shower to liven up the pitch.

Diss had only reached 55-3 in 19 overs when skipper Crane built a fine stand of 60 for the fourth wicket with B Spinks to get the visitors back into the match.

Still, 50 was needed from the last eight overs, and when Gerry Jackson trapped Crane lbw the match swung towards the Commoners.

In the sunshine batting suddenly became easier and the Belton fielding became more problematical.

Diss found a hero in C Atkinson who managed to reduce the ask to 12 from the last over. He smacked the last ball over the mid-wicket boundary to win the match and dash the Belton hopes.

Ever-reliable Gerry Jackson contributed 3-31 to the Belton bowling cause.