Dereham recorded one of the biggest wins in Norfolk Alliance history on a day when another Division One fixture ended in a tie.

Duncan Hewitt's in-form side moved up to second in the table after completing an incredible 298 run victory over Vauxhall Mallards A while nothing could separate Bradfield and Lowestoft in a basement battle.

Dan Lake led the way for Dereham with an unbeaten 128 while Hewitt made 81 in a daunting total of 336-4 that was way beyond Mallards' reach. They would have liked a more respectable reply than 38 all out however, with Jake Anema (4-15) the tormentor-in-chief.

There was a much better match over at Bradfield as the hosts attempted to chase down a solid Lowestoft total of 256-8, of which skipper Tom Brice made 115.

Come the final over seven were needed for victory with two wickets in hand, and once the final ball arrived it was down to three runs with the final pair at the crease. It looked like Lowestoft's game when the ball was played towards mid-on but the throw went to the wrong end and Bradfield were able to scamper home for a second run that led to a tie and 19 points each.

The top two met at Mundford Road and it was leaders Thetford who came out on top by seven wickets to stretch their lead to 17 points.

Visitors Horford A could only make 173-9 in their 50 overs (Alex Lincoln 55) and the Conroy brothers were once again prominent as Thetford got home with nearly nine overs to spare, with Liam making 68 and Ryan 47.

Downham Town went marching on at the top of the Premier Division with another straightforward win, this time at Garboldisham. The defending champions won by five wickets after dismissing their hosts for 153.

North Runcton stayed in touch by beating third place Stow, who fell just eight runs short on 172 when chasing 180-8.

There was a crunch match at the foot of the table at the Norton Warnes Ground and Cromer won it in some style, beating Acle by nine wickets to move all the way up to seventh.

Despite a brave knock of 57 from Josh Rowe the visitors could only make 128, and that modest target was overhauled in just the 16th over as Frankie Sutton (76 not out) and David Turner went on the attack.

The match of the day in Division Four certainly lived up to the billing as Sheringham kept their nerve to beat leaders Hockwold.

The Lobsters are now just 26 points adrift of top spot after coming through a thrilling encounter at Weybourne Road by two runs.

David King made 110 in Sheringham's total of 240-6 and that proved to be just enough despite the best efforts of the prolific Euan Gilmour, who added a 106 to his string of big scores.

Up in Division Two Swaffham came through a potentially trick test at Ashmanghaugh and Barton Wanderers with flying colours, with Jasper Payne once again leading the way.

The talented opener made 101 and Alex Payne 94 as the visitors won by seven wickets when chasing a more than useful Wanderers' total of 247-6 (Jordan Everett 74, Cameron Marrable 69 not out).

Swaffham lead the way by seven points from Martham who won an exciting game against Hethersett and Tas Valley by just one run. Martham made 175-7, with Jack Whatmough scoring 47 and Joe Oakey 44 not out, and then dismissed Valley for 174.

After seeing their side slip to 149-9, Indika Nanayakkara and Andy Harris took them to with touching distance of victory, only for the latter to be run out by Louis Smith off the final ball of the match with Valley just short of their target.

Garboldisham moved 45 points clear at the top of Division Three as they won again while closest rivals Bradenham were coming unstuck.

The leaders got home by five wickets after Acle A had made 237-9 in their 45 overs while Bradenham went down by 41 runs at Bircham, who are now just two points behind them in third.

Nathan King scored 100 and Will Pillinger 81 in an impressive Bircham total of 267-7 and their visitors could only reach 226 in reply, with No 8 Alex Bates scoring an excellent 77.

There was a superb knock in a losing cause in Division Six. Bradenham A Brian Whitwood made an unbeaten 143 as his side lost by six wickets to Ashmanhaugh and Barton Wanderers A after reaching 239-1.

The final of the Bradley Cup competition takes place at Bradenham CC tomorrow evening, with Mundford taking on Dereham with a 6pm start.