Bedfordshire suffered a 132-run Minor Counties Championship defeat in their three-day Eastern Division opener against Suffolk at Ransomes in Ipswich on Tuesday.

In their first innings on Sunday, Suffolk made 384-4 while the Beds reply was 237-8.

The home side then added a declared 184-2 in their second innings before bowling Bedfordshire out at 199 as they chased 332 for victory.

The 2009 Heritage Cup is now at the semi-final stage with trophy holders Ampthill Town due to meet Kempston Hammers at Cople on Monday June 22 while Potton Town face Caldecote at Fairfield, Biggleswade on Thursday, June 18. Both ties start at 6pm.

In the quarter-final of the East Beds Junior Shield on Monday, Clifton 2nd XI (72) bowed out to Henlow 2nds (73-4) by six wickets in the seventh of 12 available overs.

And on Tuesday, Shefford (127-6) lost out to Ampthill Town 2nd XI (128-5) by five wickets who had 15 deliveries of their 13 eight ball overs to spare.

The draw for the Junior Shield semi-final sees Henlow 2nds playing either Potton 2nds or Ickwell 2nds (they meet tomorrow) while Ampthill 2nds face the winners of the Southill Park 2nds v Blunham 2nds tie.