Tipton were only able to assemble nine fit players to make the journey to Marldon on Sunday and duly received a proper good hiding, conceding 278-4 from 40 overs and only offering 111 in reply, writes David Birch.

There was little hint of the mayhem to follow as opening bowlers Dave Alford and David Birch began tightly, with Alford rewarded with the wicket of Hemus with the score on 27.

Sam Rowsell lived dangerously at the other end, offering a series of sharp chances to slip off Birch who finished with 0-21 from his eight overs.

Thereafter, Tipton's bowlers could do nothing to stem the onslaught as Alford did his best to shuffle his depleted and toothless bowling attack.

Rowsell went on to score 50 and number three Bennett hit a chanceless 114, putting on 142 for the third wicket with Guppy, who also hit a quick-fire 50.

Sadly, injury was added to insult when Kevin McMeeking split his finger again in holding on to a good catch to give Alford his second wicket.

He rejoins Tipton's growing list of walking wounded, which is increasingly beginning to resemble Napoleon's retreat from Moscow.

Tipton's openers Dave Jessop and Keith Collins made a bright start, clattering 20 from the first three overs, before Jessop edged Harman to the keeper.

When Collins was trapped a few overs later it was left to an uncharacteristically watchful Dave Thayre to build the reply.

His 45 was watchful and he was well supported by Allister Matthews who finished on a creditable 23 not out.