Swardeston once again find themselves having to bridge a gap as they bid to retain their East Anglian Premier League crown.

A week ago they were hoping to put the brakes on Sudbury, who were 10 points ahead in the race for the top.

But defeat against a Horsford side inspired by Norfolk skipper Chris Brown, who took five wickets, was coupled with a win for the leaders over Burwell.

And when the dust had settled it meant Swardeston were left looking at gap of 29 points to make up – and they also have Great Witchingham hard on their heels.

Sudbury will know only too well that the trophy cabinet at Swardeston creaks with silverware and that the race is far from over.

Saturday's challenges sees Swardeston entertain a Burwell side sitting second bottom of the table, where a clutch of clubs are within touching distance of each other.

Burwell gave a decent account of themselves against the leaders last weekend, going down by one wicket, and will perhaps be cursing the fixture compiler for handing them two big games in successive weekends.

Great Witchingham beat Bury St Edmunds by seven wickets last weekend and on Saturday are away to Copdock & Old Ipswichian knowing that a jump up to second position is up for grabs if results go their way – they currently sit just eight points behind Swardeston.

Sudbury's challenge comes from Norfolk, with Vauxhall Mallards making the trip over the border. Mallards were beaten by Mildenhall last weekend and will be looking over their shoulders at Norwich and Burwell and hoping not to drop down the table.

Burwell and Norwich are on 130 points and Mallards on 141, five behind Horsford.

Norwich drew with Frinton last weekend and on Saturday head to Mildenhall, who are enjoying a solid start to their first campaign at this level.

Horsford head to Suffolk to take on Bury St Edmunds, who have just one win in 12 outings to their name and are 40 points off the pace in bottom spot.

In the only other match in the league on Saturday, Frinton are at home to fourth-placed Cambridge Granta.