Overseas stars Mohammad Wasim and James Mitchell took the batting honours in the first round of the Carter Cup on Sunday.Pakistan international Wasim fired a brilliant 213 for Norwich & Coltishall Wanderers in their victory over Dereham, while New Zealander Mitchell hit an unbeaten 151 in an incredible Mattishall win against Sprowston.

Overseas stars Mohammad Wasim and James Mitchell took the batting honours in the first round of the Carter Cup on Sunday.

Pakistan international Wasim fired a brilliant 213 for Norwich & Coltishall Wanderers in their victory over Dereham, while New Zealander Mitchell hit an unbeaten 151 in an incredible Mattishall win against Sprowston.

Wasim scored the majority of his side's total of 307 for five, before they dismissed Dereham for 155, Andy Lawrence top scoring with 33.

Mitchell's effort helped his side overhaul an impressive Sprowston total of 323 all out, Mattishall winning by six wickets.

Horsford relied on homegrown talent as Jaik Mickleburgh hit 137 in their well-contested 17-run win against North Runcton. Skipper Paul Newman also made 75 not out as Horsford compiled 295 for five, while Runcton responded with 278 for nine.

It looked all over for Norwich against Great Witchingham when they slumped to 57 for seven, chasing Witchingham's 199 for seven.

But an eighth-wicket partnership of 141 between Sri Lankan Lasith Malinga (61no) and Ali Horsley (87no) gave Norwich an unlikely three-wicket success.

Bradenham eased into the second round with a 131-run victory over Bradfield. Bradenham reached 227, Steven Matthews top scoring with 75, Kevin Blakey contributing 58 and James Craske taking six for 32.

Bradfield lost early wickets and never recovered, as four wickets from Roly Findlay and three from Australian Julian Stephenson sent them tumbling to 96 all out.

Knights Norfolk League club Great Melton came closest to causing the shock of the round in their match at home to Alliance Premier Division side Topcroft.

Melton made 237 and took eight wickets in the Topcroft reply, but the visitors edged home for a two-wicket win.

Top runscorers of the day were Downham, who piled up 388 for seven against Sheringham, with Ashley Corbett hitting 137. Sheringham were then all out for 182.

Reigning champions Vauxhall Mallards overcame the absence of their Norfolk contingent by wrapping up a five-wicket win at Old Buckenham.

Buckenham, who were themselves without skipper Robbie Austin because of county duty, posted 196 all out, but that was not enough to seriously trouble the EAPL side.

Last year's runners-up Swardeston lost only two wickets in overcoming Brooke's total of 171, while Acle failed by just eight runs to reach their victory target of 219 against Diss.

Saham Toney's stuttering start to the season continued as they suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Alliance Division One rivals Lowestoft. Saham struggled to 199 for eight and Lowestoft made light of that task.

Runs flowed in the derby match between Thetford and Mundford, but it was Mundford who came out on top. They set a daunting 303 for three, but West Norfolk League side Thetford responded with a respectable 237 all out.

Beccles (206) beat Stow (177) by 29 runs and Cromer (146 for four) enjoyed a comfortable six-wicket win against Swaffham (142).

The draw for the second round is due to be made this Friday, with matches to be played on Sunday, May 27.