The biggest shock of all proved beyond the reach of Bradenham and Diss as they could not prevent Vauxhall Mallards and Swardeston reaching the final of the Carter Cup on Sunday.

The biggest shock of all proved beyond the reach of Bradenham and Diss as they could not prevent Vauxhall Mallards and Swardeston reaching the final of the Carter Cup on Sunday.

The East Anglian Premier League teams will contest the final for the third year running after Swardeston beat Diss and Mallards eased past Bradenham.

Bradenham had claimed the scalps of Bradfield, Norwich & Coltishall Wanderers and Norwich on their way to the semi-final, but the prospects of another shock faded when Mallards won the toss at Brundall and put the visitors into bat.

They were immediately in trouble as Rob Frylinck bowled teenagers Rob Thurley and Luke Findlay and the South African proceeded to wreak havoc in the Bradenham innings.

He finished with seven for nine as Bradenham were bowled out for 56 and only Julian Stephenson was able to provide any resistance, the Australian making an unbeaten 33. One minor highlight for Bradenham came when 14-year-old Ryan Findlay produced a textbook cover drive for four off the bowling of Martin Addison.

There was an early success for Bradenham in the Mallards reply when Rob Purton was bowled first ball by Stephenson, but Carl Amos (16no), Trevor Ward (23) and Peter Free (11no) guided the hosts to an eight-wicket win in the 13th over.

Bradenham's Patrick Dewing said: “Although we have done very well in the competition, it was a bit of an anti-climax. But it was at least good for the younger players to play in a Carter Cup semi-final.”

Swardeston batted first against Diss and, although no batsman passed 50, they racked up a total of 310 for seven from their 60 overs.

Loyala Herathge (40), Will Rist (48), Jaden Hatwell (44) and George Walker (41no) were the highest scorers, while James Wilby took three wickets.

Diss skipper David Tooke made 41 in his team's reply and they managed a respectable 195 before being all out in the 59th over, with George Walker claiming four wickets.

The final will be at Manor Park on Sunday, August 12.

t The Lady Mary Trophy final will be between Great Witchingham and Brooke.

Great Witchingham beat Great Melton by five wickets on Sunday, and Brooke defeated Bradfield by 136 runs.

Scores: Great Melton: 190-6 (Jonny Cooper 78, Alex Cooper 61), Great Witchingham 192-5 (James Spelman 86no, Dennis Rogers 51); Brooke 235-9 (Peter Daynes 108), Bradfield 99.