Norfolk kept their cool in a tense finish to beat old rivals Suffolk and book their place in the quarter-finals of the MCCA Trophy.

Set a testing target of 248 for victory the hosts were always in the hunt at Bury St Edmunds but eventually fell 13 runs short after being dismissed for 235 with just eight balls remaining.

In the end Norfolk were grateful for some excellent bowling at the death from Paul Bradshaw, who finished with the impressive figures of 5-66.

After winning the toss and deciding to bat, the visitors got off to a solid start, with James Spelman (43) and former Suffolk player Ben France (21) adding 32 for the opening wicket before the latter was dismissed.

Spelman continued the good work with Trevor Ward (36) and, when both went in quick succession to leave Norfolk on 132-4, Harry Bush (54) and Stephen Gray (32) ensured a decent total by putting on 73 for the fifth wicket. Another important contribution was made by the Suffolk bowlers, who conceded 32 extras, including 17 wides.

In reply Nicholas Browne and Simon Guy both scored half centuries before Suffolk slipped to 175 for eight. A stand of 60 between Tom Rash and James Poulson gave the hosts renewed hope before Bradshaw had Poulson caught by Bush for 29. The pressure was then on last man Tymal Mills and the Essex man couldn't deliver, being trapped first ball leg before by the same bowler.