Downham are still clinging doggedly to the coat-tails of Premier Division frontrunners Norwich and Fakenham after collecting maximum points at home to bottom side Acle.

Duncan Lanchester's side now stand 33 points behind leaders Norwich with four games left to play after Saturday's 97-run success.

Australian Harry Evans was the hero for Downham, smashing 118 before taking four for 30. Patrick Yates also made 64 for the hosts as they drove another nail into Acle's relegation coffin.

Norwich and Fakenham both collected winning draws as there was little movement in the shape of the title race.

Olly Higenbottam fired 114 and Nathan Shearer added 77 in an opening stand of 199 as Norwich posted a big score at North Runcton, but the hosts responded with a determined batting display, Christo van Schalkwyk making 53.

It was a similar story for Fakenham, as Will Dunger hit 75no in a total of 235 at home to Diss, but the visitors batted their overs out with eight wickets down.

Old Buckenham's excellent season continued with a winning draw at home to Stow.

Half-centuries from Ben Askew (65), Paul Donovan (52) and James Heaney (51) put Bucks in charge and they had Stow nine down with five overs to bowl at the last wicket pair – but the visitors held on, despite 16-year-old Glen Meredith taking three for 24.

Ruan Du Plessis smashed 145no as Lowestoft chased down a 250-plus target to beat Sprowston by eight wickets. Rob Purton and John Glozier both made 46 for Sprowston, but Du Plessis and Nathan Garrod (76) guided Lowestoft to victory.

Vauxhall Mallards A passed 300 against Ashmanhaugh & Barton Wanderers at Brundall, with half-centuries from Pete Free (78), Simon Potger (74) and Steve Goldsmith (54no). James Ing then took four for 27 as Mallards won by 177 runs.

The Division One title race was thrown wide open after leaders Cromer lost by eight wickets at struggling Dereham.

Max Cheetham took four for 15 to help bowl Cromer out cheaply before Dereham skipper Duncan Hewitt (58) led his side's successful chase.

Swardeston A jumped up to second after a seven-wicket win at Topcroft.

Chris Hancock hit 68 for Topcroft, while Swardeston's Sam Thelwell bagged a hat-trick. Opener Daniel Martin hit 54 for the visitors before Saphie Herathge (50no) and Jason Reynolds (44no) added 97 to see Swardeston home.

Horsford A are third after Louis Bellchamber (53no) and Jamie Heyburn (54) hit half-centuries in a four-wicket win against Bradfield. Horsford A and Cromer have played a game fewer than their rivals and their end of season meeting on September 1 could be a title decider.

The battle at the bottom is no less intense, with Bradenham and Norwich A picking up vital points.

Bradenham were firmly on top at home to Brooke but could not bowl the visitors out, despite Chad Balluza's three for 31, and had to settle for a winning draw.

Mark Tipping hit 51no as Norwich A cruised to an eight-wicket win against Mattishall.

Beccles have won the Division Two title despite having no fixture on Saturday.

David Coyle took five for 25 as Hethersett & Tas Valley won by six wickets at Hales & Loddon, while Richard Wood (78no) and Jason Whiddett (55) helped Great Melton beat Saxlingham by eight wickets. Dave Adams made 67 for Saxlingham. Fakenham A won by 174 runs at Saham Toney.

Great Witchingham A closed the gap on Division Three leaders Garboldisham with a six-wicket win at Acle A.

Sam Dacre hit 69 and Andy Franks claimed four for 32 for Witchingham, who are now 21 points behind Garboldisham with a game in hand, after the leaders' winning draw at Sprowston A.

Kristian Williman (89) and Pascal Walker (50) hit half-centuries for Garboldisham, but Geoff Roff replied with 55 as Sprowston A reached 90pc of their target for a greater share of the points.

Hardingham gave themselves hope of avoiding relegation with a four-wicket win at Dersingham.

Brendan Scott (58) and Matt Hastings (four for 44) were Hardingham's star performers, leaving them 15 points from safety with one game to play.

Bungay were crowned Division Four champions after a six-wicket win at Winterton, Matthew Haines taking four for 41.

Cromer A's six-wicket defeat to Great Melton A sees them relegated. Alan Lithins made 95 for Cromer but Martin Bunn hit back with 107 for Melton.

Steffan Clifford fired 117 for Mattishall A as they picked up a winning draw against Stow A in Division Five.

Elliott George hit 110 and Michael Shea took five for 47 as Lowestoft A beat Bradfield A by 37 runs in Division Six.