Downham Stow pushed high-flying Copdock & Old Ipswichian every step of the way before suffering a narrow three-wicket defeat on Saturday.
A tense East Anglian Premier League encounter at Stow Hall saw the visitors win the toss and elect to field.
Copdock made early inroads into Downham Stow’s batting.
Only Finlay Wilcox stood firm for the hosts, compiling a gritty 63 not out from 134 balls, anchoring the innings as wickets fell around him.
George Cook’s 41 provided some mid-innings impetus, but the visitors’ bowlers – led by Rajan Singh (4-59) and the economical Thomas Harper (3-40) – restricted Downham Stow to 187-8 from their 64 overs.
In reply, Copdock’s top order absorbed the pressure from a probing new-ball spell.
Opener Sam Arthurton was the backbone of the chase, striking a composed 84 off 126 balls, well supported by Alex Oxley, who hit a fluent 59.
The pair added 116 for the third wicket, a partnership that ultimately proved crucial in the outcome of the match.
Downham Stow fought back with late wickets, Brett Stolworthy leading the resistance with 4-45, but Jacob Marston (19 not out) steered Copdock home with just under 12 overs remaining.
