Gibbs Denley EAPL: Vauxhall Mallards revived their faint hopes of sneaking up on the leaders as results went their way on Saturday.Mallards themselves won an exciting low scoring game against Great Witchingham at Brundall, while leaders Swardeston lost at Godmanchester and third-placed Bury slipped up against Clacton.

Vauxhall Mallards revived their faint hopes of sneaking up on the leaders as results went their way on Saturday.

Mallards themselves won an exciting low scoring game against Great Witchingham at Brundall, while leaders Swardeston lost at Godmanchester and third-placed Bury slipped up against Clacton.

Not that it looked like being a profitable day for Mallards when they slumped to 34 for six as Stuart Evans destroyed the top order, taking four early wickets.

Their day was rescued by Scott Robinson, who fought back with an innings of 52. Along with Luke Newton (14) and skipper Paul Bradshaw (15), he helped Mallards to a final total of 123 all out in the 59th over.

Witchingham made a steady start as Carl Rogers and James Spelman put on 24, but then Bradshaw conjured up two quick wickets to revitalise his side.

None of the top order were able to support Rogers, who had made 34 when his prize wicket eventually fell to Rob Frylinck, one of five victims for the South African.

Witchingham skipper Dennis Rogers (25) and Simon Chipperfield (15) tried to put their side back on course, but the visitors were dismissed for 115 as Mallards won by eight runs.

It was a similar sort of match at Godmanchester, where Swardeston looked to have done the hard work when they bowled the hosts out for 122. George Walker was the chief destroyer, taking six for 24.

But Swardeston were immediately in difficulties as openers Will Rist and Daniel Martin fell early on and Jaden Hatwell managed only seven to leave the visitors on 26 for three.

Rob Newton hit 29 and along with Richard Sims put Swardeston back in the hunt with a fourth wicket stand of 31, before Newton was trapped lbw by Praneeth Jayasundera.

Sims followed soon afterwards and although Brian Murphy hit a breezy 13, it was not enough as the innings folded and Swardeston were skittled out for 82.

Their lead at the top has now been cut to 11 points, although they are 28 points clear of third-placed Bury, after they suffered a surprise 80-run defeat at Clacton, who were bottom going into the game.

That result sent Fakenham tumbling back to the basement after they lost at home to Cambridge Granta by four wickets.

Fakenham batted first and recovered from 35 for three to post 217 all out, thanks largely to the efforts of skipper Michael Smith, who hit 86.

Ben Smart quickly removed visiting captain Jason Coleman, but a second wicket stand of 60 put Granta in the driving seat.

Jacques Du Toit then smashed 86 to effectively win the game for his side and although he became one of five victims for Smart, Granta sealed victory in the 55th over.

Norwich, like Swardeston, had contested the Norfolk 20/20 Cup final on Friday night and they also appeared to suffer a hangover from that game as they collapsed to defeat at Manor Park against Horsford.

The home side batted first and their innings was based around a century from Sri Lankan Duminda Perera, as he continued his excellent form this season. He received support from Jaik Mickleburgh, Matthew Warnes, Matthew Wilkinson and Paul Newman, who all contributed scores in the 20s to help Horsford to a commanding 239 for seven from their 66 overs.

The worth of that total was soon apparent as Norwich faltered to 17 for four, with two wickets apiece for Newman and Richard Gilliat.

Norwich skipper Chris Borrett provided the only true resistance, but his innings was ended on 35 as he was caught and bowled by Perera. Gilliat wrapped up victory with two more wickets as Norwich were bowled out for 95 in the 44th over.