Norfolk's Ladies suffered a disappointing defeat in their penultimate match of County Week yesterday after failing to build on a good start against hosts Suffolk.

Alex Cowie's side rode their luck to build up a 2-1 advantage in the morning foursomes at Purdis Heath but then faltered badly in the singles, picking up just one win and a half from six matches to lose 5�-3� overall.

The reverse was a real blow for Norfolk after good displays in their previous three matches, which produced an emphatic win over Bedfordshire, a brave showing in defeat against Hertfordshire and an excellent draw against another of the tournaments big guns Essex.

'I was really pleased with the way the team played in the first three matches but this was very disappointing,' said Cowie afterwards. 'To be perfectly honest we were a little bit fortunate to be leading after the foursomes but having got the points I was hoping to go on and win in the afternoon.

'Unfortunately it just didn't happen and on the day Suffolk played better golf than us and deserved to win.'

Norfolk picked up two halves in the morning, with Tracey Williamson and Rebecca Heeles then providing the icing on the cake by winning their match 1 up.

A derby victory looked a strong possibility at that stage but it was a story of home domination after lunch as Suffolk, with a number of Purdis Heath players in their line-up, took control. Karen Young was the only Norfolk player to taste victory, with Williamson providing the other half.

Norfolk take on Cambs and Hunts in their final match today knowing a win might just be good enough to enable them to match last year's third place finish.

Foursomes: Amber Ratcliffe and Jennifer Hide halved with Blaize Esmond and Vicki Inglis, Karen Young and Shelly Pleasance halved with Sarah Howe and Sarah Saggers, Tracey Williamson and Rebecca Heeles beat Vanessa Bell and Lily Kent 1up. Singles: Ratcliffe lost to Inglis 1 down, Williamson halved with Esmond, Sammy Martin lost to Kent 3&2, Pleasance lost to Sharon Luckman 2 down, Hide lost to Saggers 4&3, Young beat Wendy Day 6&5.

• There are still spaces available in the Barnard Charity Day at Bawburgh on Monday, July 9. The event for teams of four costs �45 per person to enter, with prizes up to sixth place, a BBQ steak dinner and a charity auction in aid of Break and NNAB. There are also sponsorships available. Contact 01603 740404.