FRANKLY DIGITAL NORFOLK ALLIANCE: Captain Matt Reid admits it was a disappointing start to his reign as Lowestoft kicked off their Alliance campaign with defeat against defending champions Downham.

Captain Matt Reid admits it was a disappointing start to his reign as Lowestoft kicked off their Alliance campaign with defeat against defending champions Downham.

Seven wickets was the winning margin as the 2009 Premier Division winners showed their class, and Reid acknowledged they will be playing catch up this season.

"It always looked a difficult opening game to the season against the champions for the last three seasons and that is the way it proved to be," said Reid. "Downham won the toss and inevitably put us into bat after the overnight rain.

"With their strong bowling attack it was always going to be a test for our batsmen, but we made a good start reaching 45 without losing a wicket.

"We then lost wickets at regular intervals due to some accurate bowling and some soft dismissals.

"With only 128 on the board, they knew if they attacked from the off and put quick runs on the board it would always be difficult for us to defend - and they scored 88 off the first 13 overs.

"On a personal point of view it was a disappointing start as captain.

"I had hoped we would be more competitive against the champions, but unfortunately due to our own performance along with Downham's ability and know how, the gap was there for all to see."

Lowestoft will hope to fare better at Diss tomorrow, who were suffered a heavy defeat of their own at Acle, before starting their Carter Cup campaign on Sunday.

"We'll be looking to turn in a much improved performance," said Reid.

"On Sunday we entertain Bradenham in the Carter Cup and will hope to surpass the previous two years' performances in this competition where we've reached the quarter-final stages."

North Runcton's hard fought win over Brooke should see them in good heart for their trip to Downham, where they will be hoping to get a little closer to the holders than Lowestoft.

Acle will look to extinguish Vauxhall Mallards' early season spark when the two sides meet tomorrow. Mallards enjoyed a six-wicket win at Old Buckenham on the opening day last weekend.

Norwich & Cotishall Wanderers will want to bounce back quickly from their defeat at Cromer, and they welcome Old Buckenham.

Brooke host Cromer in the Premier League's remaining fixture.

In Division One, Sprowston face Sheringham on the back of a classy win at Norwich A. Sheringham should also be in good spirits after pipping Beccles to victory in their opener.