THERE were encouraging signs for Littleport 1st XI despite losing by two runs at Great Chishill. Playing their debut match in the Cheffins Senior Division 3, Port were without several key players but performed admirably against established league opponent

THERE were encouraging signs for Littleport 1st XI despite losing by two runs at Great Chishill.

Playing their debut match in the Cheffins Senior Division 3, Port were without several key players but performed admirably against established league opponents.

Chishill batted first and largely struggled as they reached a solid, if unspectacular, total of 190 from their 40 overs. The home side's total could have been higher but for the impressive efforts of Port medium pacer Paul Morris who picked up 3-51 at a eye-catching average of just 24. Chris Farnell also impressed with 2-41 from his 12 overs.

Port were bold in reply to their target and reached the last over with just seven runs needed for victory. It wasn't to be though, as their inexperience gave way to some tight bowling and incredibly frugal fielding from the home side. Scott Connop was the pick of the Littleport batsmen as he registered a respectable 39.

There was bad news also for the 2nd XI as they lost out by 74 runs at Burwell 3rd XI chasing 158.