A man-of-the-match performance from David Bridge could not prevent Burnham Sports from slumping to another defeat in the T-Rippon premier division against Hatfield Peverel at Millfields.

Bridge had an outstanding day, taking three wickets as he helped Sports bowl out the visiting side for 190.

Later on, he smashed his way to 21 runs off only 18 deliveries; this revived hopes of victory after Burnham’s run chase had become bogged down.

It was only when he was controversially given out LBW that these hopes were dashed.

It looked at one stage as if Sports would finally achieve their breakthrough victory against Hatfield.

However, despite bowling the opposition out for a very achievable score, Sports’ batting lacked composure and this proved to be their downfall, as they were all out 17 runs short.

Fuad Ahmed (25), Robin Whittaker (27) and Burnham’s top-scorer Sayeid Ahmed (29) all made solid contributions, but a combination of good bowling and a very slow outfield meant that, at times, Burnham’s batsmen were unable to score freely.

It was only when in-form Bridge came to the crease that the innings gathered some momentum.

He was out off the bowling of Peverel pace-man Max Castledine, the pick of Peverel’s bowlers as he took four wickets. Dan McIntyre ably assisted him with three wickets of his own.

Sports’ captain Jamie Hamilton said: “Our batting was just not good enough.

“Quite a few of the wickets we lost were because of errors by batsmen, but in this league games are won and lost on these kinds of mistakes.”

Earlier, on a wicket that was favourable for Burnham’s spinners, Bridge shone as he claimed three wickets for just 25 runs after his ten-over spell.

Skipper Hamilton also got purchase out of the pitch, with his spin bowling getting two wickets while conceding only 40 runs.

Peverel’s batsmen all started well, with seven reaching double figures, but no-one progressed to reach a half-century.

Dan McIntyre and Chris Phillips top-scored with 37 and 35 runs respectively.

Castledine also contributed with 28.

Sports bowler Andy Stephens said: “Despite losing, we can take some positives from the game.

“Our bowling and fielding was much improved, and David Bridge had an outstanding game.

“We know we can bat better than that though, especially after scoring 297 against Great Baddow a couple of weeks ago.”

The defeat all-but seals Sports’ fate in the premier division.

With three out of their five remaining fixtures against teams in the top four, including new table-toppers Bentley, after their victory over Springfield, it will take a remarkable change in fortunes to see them stay up.

The team’s spirit cannot be faulted though, and the players have not given up the chase yet.

Next week, they have a great opportunity to finally end the losing streak as they travel to fellow strugglers Little Baddow, who lie 14 points above Sports on 90 points in the other relegation position.