IT was a disappointing afternoon for Maldon in the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division one.

Robb Macmillan (60) and Chris Harris (58) top-scored for Maldon, but Martyn Coker’s side were defeated by seven wickets at home to Mildenhall.

Coker said: “Our bowlers tried to maintain control, but their batsmen seemed to find boundaries when needed.

“Although we didn’t help ourselves with several dropped catches.

“On Saturday we travel to Mistley and we look as though we may be at full strength for the first time this year, with Jimmy Ainscough and Matt Coppen both available for selection once again this week.”

Maldon batted first on a dry-looking Drapers Farm pitch. Ian Elliott was dismissed for two early on but Harris and MacMillan both scored half centuries in a strong second-wicket stand of 74.

Macmillan and Freddie Clark (30) added 54 for the third wicket.

However, a mini collapse saw Maldon slide from 149-2 to 162-7. A partnership of 35 between Reece Bawden and Gary Bannister enabled Maldon to reach a competitive 209-9.

Mildenhall found batting hard early on, but 71 from Peter Worthington and 77 from Ben Shepperson led them to a seven-wicket win.