Norwich's Ashley Watson took eight wickets and Fakenham's Will Dunger bagged a hat-trick as the Premier Division title rivals remained neck and neck ahead of this weekend's showdown.

Leaders Norwich won by 72 runs at Vauxhall Mallards A to stretch their advantage to six points over Fakenham, who beat Sprowston by seven runs in a tense finish.

Norwich's Chris Sutton hammered 75, including four fours and five sixes and left-arm spinner Watson returned incredible figures of eight for 29.

Fakenham's Essex Academy player Dunger top scored with 43, but Andy Hanby (three for 31) and Rob Purton (three for 24) kept the hosts in check.

Dunger's hat-trick helped reduce Sprowston to 28 for five, but a seventh wicket stand of 60 between Tim Hales and Will Hampson revived the visitors. They were eight runs from victory when Fakenham took the final wicket, Dunger finishing with six for 34.

At the bottom, Ashmanhaugh & Barton Wanderers gave themselves hope in the battle to avoid relegation as they beat Old Buckenham by seven wickets.

Hendro Puchert took five for 20 as Bucks were bowled out for just 73.

Lowestoft are now just five points above the drop zone after their 140-run defeat at home to Downham, who had half-centuries from Addam Todd (88) and Patrick Yates (87).

Stow moved clear of danger with a five-wicket win at home to Diss. Josh Ring took four for 28 for the hosts before Luandre Van Wyk (55 no) and James Coe 51 steered them towards victory.

North Runcton beat relegated Acle by six wickets, Kieron Bunting taking four for 37.

Cromer seized an immediate return to the top flight after winning their Division One title showdown at Horsford A by 58 runs.

Horsford's Alex Lincoln took five for 30 but Chris Carey responded with four for 30 for Cromer.

Great Witchingham A finished their season with a three-wicket win at Sprowston A, but must now wait for Garboldisham's result this weekend before discovering who will be promoted from Division Three. Skipper Dennis Rogers took five for 24 and hit an unbeaten 42 for Witchingham.

Doug Young hit 56 as Diss A ensured they did not finish bottom of the Alliance, beating Topcroft A by six wickets.

n Best of the rest

Division Two: Tom Tansley (Downham A) 57; David English (Saxlingham) 92

Division Three: Paul Munford (Acle A) 52, Josh Wilson (Acle A) 4-26