MALDON skipper Martyn Coker praised bowler Gary Bannister in their defeat to Hadleigh.

Maldon lost their Marshall Hatchick Two Counties division one match at Hadleigh by 36 runs.

Coker won the toss and decided to bowl and it looked like a decison that would pay off as they dismissed Hadleigh for 134 runs.

Bannister was the pick of the visitors’ bowling taking four wickets for 19 runs in his 11 overs, including four maidens.

Coker said: “We won the toss and bowled first at Hadleigh on a pitch that looked like it would help the bowlers.

“Gary Bannister, as he has done throughout the season, bowled superbly with the new ball.

“He was very accurate and fully deserved his four wickets.

“He is probably one of the most under-rated bowlers in the league, but he, this week, got the wickets he often should get but for some reason doesn’t.

“Bannister and Jack Riley bowled well, and were supported by Jon Barratt and Jamie Glenn.

“Jon’s three wickets were again reward for a consistent line and length.

“The Hadleigh total of 134 was one we were confident of getting at the halfway point.”

However, Maldon’s batting failed to fire and they could only manage a total of 98.

Coker said: “Our batting, unfortunately, didn’t cope with some good Haldeigh bowling.

“We collapsed from 64 for two to 98 all out, including losing four wickets in a ten-ball spell.

“This put our hosts well on top, and they clinched victory when Jack Riley was out lbw for two.

“James Ellis (25) top-scored and showed good signs of form, but ultimately we all know we need to build bigger partnerships if we are to bounce back from a few loses recently.”

Maldon’s first team play Worlington this week at Drapers Farm.