GREAT Yarmouth fell to their first Norfolk League Division One defeat of the season, losing by 26 runs at East Harling.

That leaves them second behind Rollesby, who over-powered bottom side Ketteringham Hall by eight wickets after bowling them out for 94.

Harling won the crucial toss against previously unbeaten Yarmouth and decided to make first use of a very flat-looking batting track.

Yarmouth have been solid in the field this year, but their catching let them down as six chances were spilled in total.

Three of the top four batsmen were given early reprieves, and instead of being in an early dominating position, Yarmouth were left facing a big runs chase.

It all started well with Ellis striking early to remove Free (8), who edged behind. Ellis struck again, bowling Seamore (15), but Pickerill continued with new man Jubb and the pair put on 83 for the third wicket.

Ellis (2-29) finished a fine 12-over spell but Yarmouth’s change bowlers all went at over five runs an over.

Noakes (1-34) had been causing problems throughout his spell and was rewarded when Jubb (32) picked out Johnston at mid-off and Harling were 127-3 in the 32nd over.

Pickerill, on his way to a century, was joined by Hilton (42 not out) and the pair took the score to 219.

Vickers (1-50) had been unlucky not to pick up Pickerill’s wicket early but finally got his man at the end of his second spell when the Harling opener edged behind for 105. East Harling closed on 224-4.

Yarmouth made a poor start to their reply with three wickets falling cheaply to leave them 11-3.

Hak and Derry showed good aggression and were matching the required rate as they added 57 for the fourth wicket before Derry was beaten by the flight of a Hilton delivery and was caught for 31.

Hak and Hodds continued the fight back with another good partnership and Yarmouth were still in touch through 30 overs. Pill (4-33) then struck twice in two overs, taking the key wicket of a tiring Hak (57).

At 121-6 the result looked a foregone conclusion, but Hodds and Ruddick kept Yarmouth hanging on with a rapid 46 added for the seventh wicket. Hodds (33) was bowled by Ayton (2-55) leaving Ruddick to carry on until he ran out of partners.

The pressure of the run rate took its toll and the tail were unable to pull off the improbable. Yarmouth closed on 198 all out with Ruddick 47 not out.

Apollo Tavern MoM: Nick Hodds for a fine display with the bat and in the field.

East Harling: R Free c Derry b Ellis 8, R Pickerill c Derry b Vickers 105, K Seamore b Ellis 15, M Jubb c Johnston b Noakes 32, S Hilton not out 42, A howe not out 2; extras 20. Total 224-4. Bowling: Ellis 12-1-29-2, Vickers 12-1-50-1, Johnston 7-0-37-0, Noakes 6-0-34-1, R Ruddick 7-0-49-0, Hak 1-0-12-0.

Great Yarmouth: L Fitzsimmons b Pill 4, M Sole c Fisher b Macrow 1, S Hak b Pill 57, S Ruddick b Pill 1, N Derry b Hilton 31, N Hodds b Ayton 33, A Ellis b Pill 1, R Ruddick not out 47, J Noakes b Hilton 3, P Vivkers b Ayton 6, W Johnston run out 0; extras 14. Total 198. Bowling: Macrow 12-1-55-1, Pill 12-3-33-4, Ayton 10-1-55-2, Hilton 10.1-0-45-2.