Yarmouth’s Norfolk League Division One title hopes suffered a blow when they lost to Norwich Bystanders at Dussindale.

Skipper Fitzsimmons won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first on a good looking pitch on a very hot day.

Openers Fitzsimmons and Hak started steadily with only 10 runs coming of the first seven overs. Bystanders skipper Stone bowled an impressive first spell but it was his opening partner Cogman who struck first having Hak (13) caught behind in the 13th over.

Two balls later Doggett went the same way and Yarmouth were struggling at 31 for 2. It got worse two overs later when Thompson (0) was caught at mid-on on the pull.

Ruddick joined his skipper and both played carefully but scored runs where possible from the odd bad ball.With the score on 54 Fitzsimmons (25) was caught brilliantly at slip. Ruddick (9), Irvine (7) Shales (8) and R Ruddick all fell cheaply leaving Yarmouth 83 for 8 with 12 overs left to bat. Ellis (35) batted brilliantly and was well supported by Noakes (5 no).

Ellis was finally bowled leaving Johnston (6) to face the last three overs. He was run out at the end of the 44th over and Yarmouth limped to 127 all out.

Yarmouth knew quick wickets were the key, but were guilty of bowling a little wide early on, Bystanders racing to 22 off five overs. Ellis (5-0-20-1) struck in the 6th over, having Avi caught behind.

Wright joined Moggan and this pair took the game away from Yarmouth. With a mixture of luck and good strokeplay, they took the score to 100 before Moggan went for one too many shots and was caught by Noakes off Johnston (4-1-11-1).

Shales (11-2-41-0) bowled his usual tight lines and was unlucky on numerous occasions not to pick up the wicket of Wright, who saw Bystanders home in the 33rd over, completing his 50 in the meantime.

Yarmouth need to win their final game at home to Ketteringham Hall tomorrow and hope that leaders Rollesby slip up.