Former West Norfolk League sides are continuing to sparkle in the lower reaches of the Alliance.

Hockwold, Snettisham and Denver have played 14 games between them so far and have won them to set a hot pace in their respective sections.

It was a familiar story on Saturday, as a series of thumping victories saw the talented trio march on.

In Division Five Hockwold cruised to a 10-wicket success against Bradenham A after bowling them out for 80 (Roy Bland 6-19) while new boys Snettisham beat Swardeston/CEYMS by 190 runs after getting all the way up to 321-5 in 45 overs. Their star man was Jonathan Forder, whose superb 176 including 21 fours and three sixes, while Matt Herbert contributed 71.

Meanwhile, Denver were far too strong for Hales and Loddon in Division Six, with the opposition being skittled out for just 59 (Kevin Cornwell 4-12, Dan Cornwell 3-4) and the target being chased down for the loss of one wicket.

No one has started the season better than Beccles, who picked up their fifth successive maximum haul to remain 18 points clear at the top of Division Two.

Their latest victims were Saham Toney, who were always up against it after their hosts had posted 273-6, a total that was built upon an opening partnership of 187 between Michael Fisher (126) and Rob Porter (56). Nathan King made 83 for the villagers but with Ian Ruddock taking 6-29 it was the home side who cruised home by 86 runs.

Topcroft, who are looking to make an immediate return to the second tier after last season’s relegation, are Beccles’ nearest challengers after recording their fourth win out of five.

An unbroken partnership between Ian Todd (54 not out) and Martin Talbot (56 not out) helped them reach 221-6 and despite 61 from Ed Sturman and 35 from Will Grisley Brooke fell 38 runs short of their target.

Great Melton marched on at the top of Division Three following a comfortable win over a struggling North Runcton A side. They made it five straight wins after bowling their hosts out for 67 and then getting home by three wickets. Melton lead the way by 18 points from Acle A, who beat Winterton by 33 runs (Rob Porter 107).