Paddy DavittNorfolk's MCCA Knockout Trophy defence this season is over after an agonising two run defeat to Cambridgeshire today at Clare College. Carl Rogers' side needed a victory in their final pool fixture to stand any chance of progressing to the later stages in the national competition they won last year.Paddy Davitt

Norfolk's MCCA Knockout Trophy defence this season is over after an agonising two run defeat to Cambridgeshire today at Clare College.

Carl Rogers' side needed a victory in their final pool fixture to stand any chance of progressing to the later stages in the national competition they won last year.

Trevor Ward's unbeaten 123 was not enough with Ward and Chris Brown (14 not out) needing ten runs from the final over to edge past Cambs' 238-7 total in their 50 overs - Norfolk finishing on 236-7.

Norfolk's reply started poorly when Rogers and Chris Borrett both went cheaply to leave the visitors reeling on 10-2. Ward and James Spelman steadied the innings with a 77 run third wicket partnership but a middle order collapse put Cambs firmly in control.

Norfolk lost three wickets for five runs before Ward and George Walker (26) moved the holders within touching distance of the win they needed to keep alive their one day hopes.

Ajaz Akhtar's (25 not out) explosive late cameo on his return to the Cambs line up had earlier helped the hosts reach a competitive total after the home side had won the toss and elected to bat first.

Allan Burton (32) and David Clarke (37) put on 68 for the first wicket before Norfolk's spin pair Walker and Chris Brown removed both openers. Walker (two for 27) and Brown (two for 37) were the pick of the Norfolk attack with paceman Paul Bradshaw (two for 58) picking up two late wickets as Cambs upped the ante in the closing overs on a lightening fast outfield before making quick inroads into the Norfolk top order.