A fascinating battle is developing for the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division title with just three points now separating the top three.

Sprowston still lead the way, but after losing to Norwich they now have their city rivals breathing down their necks, while Downham are also right in the mix after a comfortable win over Ashmanhaugh and Barton Wanderers.

Sprowston got off to a decent start at the weekend, with Jon Leverett (48) and Rob Purton (36) putting on 87 for the first wicket before Chris Borrett removed them both caught behind. Overseas star Matt Foster then contributed a useful 42 as his side finished on 207 for eight, with Borrett taking three for 36 and Frankie Sutton three for 58. Quick scoring from Oli Higgenbottam, who made 77 in 50 balls, then put Norwich in control before a mini collapse saw them slip from 163 for two to 173 for six. However Borrett (13 not out) and Jason Blake (25 not out) saw them home.

Addam Todd was the star of the show as Downham moved to within three points of top spot with a five wicket win. He took six for 25 as Wanderers were dismissed for 126, and although the strugglers made a game of it after that there was never any real doubt that Downham would win it.

Fakenham continue to struggle after being dismissed for just 152 by Vauxhall Mallards A, for whom Matt Hague took four for 60. Mallards knocked off the runs required for the loss of three wickets, with former county opener Carl Amos making an unbeaten half century.

The former East Anglian Premier League team remain fourth from bottom in the table and will have been relieved that Cromer, the side immediately below them, also lost heavily. Their poor run continued when they were dismissed for 89 in reply to a decent effort of 211 for seven from visitors Old Buckenham.

In Division One, leaders Swardeston A moved 13 points clear of the inactive Topcroft after an exciting draw with Brooke. They finished on 180 for nine chasing Brooke's total of 199 for nine.

Lowestoft's Peter Simms boasted the section's best bowling figures, taking five for 15 as his side dismissed Beccles for 95 before getting home by five wickets.