Norfolk beaten by Lincolnshire in MCCA Trophy opener

Norfolk cricketers Chris Brown and Paul Bradshaw

Norfolk's Chris Brown and Paul Bradshaw lifted the trophy in 2009

Norfolk were beaten by Lincolnshire in a rain affected start to their MCCA Knockout Trophy defence at Manor Park.

After an early rain delay the match was reduced to 40 overs a side, and Norfolk posted a disappointing 178-5.

Lincolnshire reached their revised Duckworth/Lewis target of 183 in the 39th over, securing a four wicket win.

Norfolk now travel to Ipswich School to face Suffolk on Sunday, needing a win to stand any chance of defending the title they won in Durham last year.

Norfolk spinner and coach Chris Brown told BBC Radio Norfolk the conditions conspired against his team at a time when his batsmen were just getting comfortable.

We're looking for a 20% increase on performance in all areas next week and hopefully we can get two points away to Suffolk

Norfolk coach Chris Brown

"After four overs we were 17 for none with Harry Bush and the captain Carl Rogers going very nicely, then we had a rain interruption and were off for probably two or three hours.

"We had to start again and Sam Arthurton and Stephen Gray played well to get us to a revised score of 182," he said.

"Then we went out to bowl and they must have been 70 or 80 for none in the first ten overs, their opener Dan Birch took the game away from us," he added.

Despite the defeat, Brown was feeling positive ahead of the match with Suffolk after some encouraging displays across the team.

"The spin bowlers played quite well in particular, albeit on a pitch which suited spin, and we actually fielded quite well.

"We're looking for a 20% increase on performance in all areas next week and hopefully we can get two points away to Suffolk," he said.