MISTLEY Cricket Club captain Dan Goff has revealed how a dropped catch turned out to be a blessing in disguise as his relegation-haunted side pulled off a crucial victory against Maldon.

The Swans remain second-from-bottom in Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division one but gave their survival chances a major shot in the arm after winning by seven wickets at New Road.

Mistley’s Matt Bibby was the player to drop the catch – missing the opportunity to dismiss Chris Harris when on 14.

The Maldon skipper then made the most of his lifeline and went on to club 127.

However, the incident put fire in Bibby’s belly and, after being promoted to open the batting, he scored a magnificent 132.

“It was a much-needed victory – just what the doctor ordered – and fair play to Matt,” said Goff.

“He was so cross with himself for missing the catch.

“It would have been crucial if we’d lost the game but I knew he had a point to prove so I asked him to move up the order.

“He probably would have come in at six or seven ordinarily but when I gave him the chance to open with me, he jumped at it.

“He wanted to make up for his mistake and it was a brilliant, match-winning innings. He never looked in trouble.

“It really worked and changing the order gave us more balance – something that really pleased me because we’ve tried different things but without success in recent weeks.”

Saturday’s victory halted a run of defeats and came after Maldon posted 286 for nine, from their 50 overs.

Captain Goff returned three wickets for 35 runs from his six overs, Phil Palmer two for 46 from ten and there were also a couple of wickets for Tim Scott.

Bruce Leeke claimed one victim and, ironically, it was Bibby who ended Harris’ stay at the crease with a harder catch than the one he missed, off Goff’s bowling.

Bibby’s 132, which featured 18 fours and a six, laid the foundations for Mistley’s total of 291 for three, with other key contributions coming from Goff (65) and James Scott (61).

Elmstead remain bottom while Mistley are now just three points from safety and overhauling third-from-bottom Frinton.

Ipswich, tomorrow’s hosts, are fourth from bottom and have 16 points more than the Swans.

“Hopefully last week’s win will give us a bit of a kick-started,” added Goff.

“Frinton have a game in hand but our squad is looking stronger now, with players back from university and school.

“We obviously batted well but we also bowled well as a unit and we stuck together, knowing we had the ability in our team to chase down whatever Maldon got.”