Batsmen had a field day as Cromer and North Runcton fought out a thrilling match at the Norton Warnes Ground, which yielded 717 runs – and an amazing 34 sixes!

One of the innings of the season from Dean Robinson helped Runcton up to the daunting total of 360-4 in their 50 overs, but their hosts rose to a big challenge superbly and were only three runs short at the end.

Robinson made 172 in only 149 balls, with 15 fours and 12 sixes, while Mark Skipper contributed 75 as the bowlers suffered.

The big-hitting then continued as Cromer set about their reply, with opener David Turner cracking 76 and Rob Purton then taking centre stage with a knock of 141 in 105 balls which included 14 fours and seven sixes.

It was still a tough ask for the hosts however and despite some lusty late blows from Tatenda Chiradza (32) they finished on 357-8 and losers despite scoring at more than seven an over.

Sprowston moved back to the top of the Premier Division after getting more points from a win than rivals Brooke.

They made 257-9 against Swardeston A and survived a few anxious moments before dismissing their hosts for 241 to win by 16 runs.

Brooke eased past Diss by six wickets after restricting them to 167-9 (Chris Sheehy 3-20). Mike Jones (84no) and Matthew Carver (22no) saw them home with an unbroken fifth wicket partnership of 95.

A poor start to the season is rapidly becoming a distant memory for champions Fakenham, who maintained their fine recent form by beating Old Buckenham by 64 runs.

Luke Findlay made 59 in their total of 212-8 before a fine spell of 5-36 from Yin Lo helped dismiss the Bucks for 148.

Garboldisham bounced back from a heavy derby defeat against Diss to end Downham's recent promising run and go third.

But it was a close run thing, with the villagers winning by two wickets chasing a total of 182-8.

There was a thrilling game at the top of Division One between leaders Horsford and third placed Lowestoft which ended up with honours even.

There are no draws in the Alliance these days - but there's nothing to prevent a tie and that's what happened at Manor Park as both teams finished on 233-6.

The result was a good one for Dereham who are now just eight points off the summit after maintaining their winning streak against Thetford.

It was a comfortable victory too, with Dereham making 273-8 (Jonny Bidwell 92, Jake Anema 57, Duncan Hewitt 51) and then bowling their hosts out for 157, with three wickets apiece for all-rounders Hewitt and Anema.

Alex Metcalfe took 4-42 as Acle bowled out Norwich A for 136 before sealing a six-wicket triumph.

Beccles put their struggles this season behind them on Saturday to record a hugely impressive win in Division Two.

They went into the weekend with just one win to their name but you wouldn't have guessed it as they restricted Brooke A to 177-7 in a 40 over game and then knocked off the runs required for the loss of only one wicket. Opener George Milton led the way with an unbeaten 95 while Richard Turrell (33) and Ben Willgoss (31 not out) provided the support.

An unbeaten 102 from Josh Gray wasn't enough for leaders Bradfield, who went down at Bradenham by five wickets after making 194-5. Will Dewing (65no) and Marcus Evans (61) were the star men for the hosts. The new leaders are Great Witchingham A who were again grateful to the all-round talents of Carl Rogers as they beat Fakenham A. The former Norfolk captain took 4-39 as Fakenham made 199-8 and then scored 63 as the Witches got home by three wickets, with Shaun Arthurton making an unbeaten 59.

Division Four leaders Garboldisham were in ruthless form, bowling out Sheringham for just 65 (James Gooderham 4-16) after making 163.

In the same section Tom Bart made 151, and Simon Mann 79, as Rocklands chased down a decent Norwich B total of 246-6 for the loss of just three wickets.

It was a good day for Happisburgh in Division Six as they beat fellow high-flyers Hales and Loddon on the day leaders Hockwold were losing to Diss A by 82 runs (Robert Tooke 125).

Hales made a competitive 204-5 (Milton Lindsay 83no, Jon Andrews 88) but it was not enough, with Happisburgh edging to victory by two wickets as opener James Woolston (67no) carried his bat.

BEST OF THE REST

Premier Division: Ben Coote 53, Michael Annakin 5-76; Old Buckenham - Tom Alexander 4-49.

Division Two: Brooke A - Richard Gilliat 76no; Saham Toney - Simon Mower 56; Vauxhall Mallards A - Adam Todd 67, Steve Goldsmith 56no.

Division Three: Bungay - Tom York 6-16; Downham A - Alex Vincent 81; Great Melton - Richard Wood 50no, David Adams 59no; Old Buckenham A - Mark Dunnett 53, Ben Askew 53; Swaffham - Tom Puckey 51.

Division Four: Hethersett and TV A - Tristan Henderson 70no, Richard Ellis 57, Leigh King 50no; North Runcton A - George Rawlings 54no; Stow A - Jamie White 72no, Norwich B - Steven Clarke 59.

Division Five: Ashmanhaugh and BW A - Matthew Austin 62; Bircham - Colin Humphrey 50, Paul Lough 60, Matthew Rowe 4-14; Bradenham A - Steve Watts 65; Cromer A - Alan Lithins 67; Lowestoft A - Harvey Hebditch 63; Mattishall A - Aaron Garner 52no; Swardeston CEYMS - Ben Chapman 54.

Division Six: Dereham A - Sam Widdows 58, Pete Hockley 57no.