Storms keep Hales on top of the pile

Hales maintained their advantage at the top of Knights Norfolk League Division One after their clash with second-placed Great Witchingham A fell victim to the weather.

The only game in the top three divisions to reach a conclusion was at Division One's bottom club Drayton, where the hosts picked up their first win of the season, beating fellow strugglers Winterton by 26 runs.

St Mirren footballer John Sutton, brother of former Norwich striker Chris, blasted 119 not out, including 16 fours and a six in Drayton's total of 185 for seven, with four wickets for Winterton's Bryn Clarke. Clarke hit 44 in Winterton's reply, but four wickets apiece from Michael Mario-Ghae and Lee Cornfield saw them bowled out for 159.

Great Melton's Martin Bunn hit 120 and Jonny Cooper made 63 as their side declared on 240 for six against OId Buckenham A, but the weather prevailed with Buckenham on 72 for four.

In the relegation battle at the bottom of Division Four, Kirkley & Lowestoft Railway A beat Saham Toney A by four wickets.

There was another crunch match at the foot of Division Five, as bottom club Hales A boosted their survival chances with a four-wicket win at their nearest rivals, Costessey.

Bradenham A regained top spot in Division Six as they thrashed Kirkley & Lowestoft Railway B by 179 runs. Billy Bowden made 62 in Bradenham's 218 for four and Kirkley were then skittled out for just 39, with Blake Whyte taking five wickets to complete the match before the rain arrived.

Old Buckenham B remain in charge of Division Nine after an 11-run win against Horsford C, with Mike Banham claiming five wickets.

Mike Hanby took six wickets and Ryan Pearce claimed three for Sprowston C in their abandoned Division Nine match against Loddon A.

Joe Ellis (50no) hit his maiden half-century for Lowestoft B as their Division Ten match against Hales Colts was also abandoned.

n Until further notice, all teams in Divisions 4, 5 and 6 are asked to send their results to Alan Harris on 01379 674427.