IN a top v bottom clash, winless Yarmouth visited neighbours Caister on Saturday and, despite an improved showing, emerged still seeking that elusive first Norfolk League Division Two victory.

IN a top v bottom clash, winless Yarmouth visited neighbours Caister on Saturday and, despite an improved showing, emerged still seeking that elusive first Norfolk League Division Two victory.

Having won the toss, Yarmouth made first use of the damp track with captain Simon Ruddick opening with Fitzsimmons. A watchful start saw only five runs coming from the first six overs, but as the batsmen adjusted to the conditions the runs began to come more freely.

The openers had pushed the score along to 25 before Caister made their breakthrough, J Kerrison taking a smart return catch to dismiss Fitzsimmons (15). Sole joined Ruddick and immediately looked to be positive, keeping the innings momentum going.

The pair took the score beyond 50 in the 21st over and then looked to accelerate, Ruddick in particular severe on anything short.

The luck that had been missing all season finally began to show its face with catches falling just short or passing wide of fielders.

Caister rotated the bowling searching for a wicket but were guilty of putting down the couple of chances that did go to hand, and Yarmouth prospered as the 100 partnership mark was passed.

Yarmouth had reached 143 before Sole (46) played on to give J Kerrison (2-55) his second scalp, though at 143-2 with eight overs remaining Yarmouth eyes were firmly fixed on the 200 mark they had failed to reach all season.

Caister then turned to Green, their seventh bowler of the day, and with his first over going for nine runs there was no hint of the carnage he was about to inflict. First he removed Hak (3) then the following over he accounted for Ruddick for an outstanding 92. The following ball Derry (5) was Green's third victim, and although Thompson successfully negotiated the hat-trick ball he went the very next ball, giving Green (4-34) a triple wicket maiden.

R Ruddick (21 not out) and Hunter (14 not out) worked the ball around well from the final four overs with Yarmouth closing at 209-6.

Yarmouth took to the field full of confidence but knowing the removal of the Caister openers Stokes and S Kerrison was key.

Vickers asked some telling questions early on and created half-chances in his first over.

Hunter at the other end, although struggling a little with his line, conceded only four scoring shots from the bat in his first six overs.

The Caister batsmen soon found their feet, however, and were particularly severe on any bad ball they received.

The score began to run up at an alarming rate for the visitors and even the introduction of Oxborough did little to stem the tide. The opening pair passed 100 in the 25th over and then raced to 150 from 33.

Finally it was Oxborough (1-69) who brought the partnership to an end, S Ruddick taking the steepled catch from the imperious Kerrison (92).

Stokes (60) fell shortly after to R Ruddick (1-23) to give Yarmouth a faint glimmer of hope but Brown (18) and Sims (17) saw Caister through to match Yarmouth's total.

With the scores level Hunter (2-41) returned to pick up both batsmen and give the scoreboard slightly more respectability, but Green (4 not out) duly completed the victory from his first ball. Caister emerged victorious by six wickets with Yarmouth showing signs of life.

Burton Arms Man of the Match: Simon Ruddick (92) with yet another captain's innings.