THERE were shades of last season on Saturday as Fakenham failed to post a defendable total against reigning champions and early Gibbs Denley EAPL pace-setters Swardeston.

THERE were shades of last season on Saturday as Fakenham failed to post a defendable total against reigning champions and early Gibbs Denley EAPL pace-setters Swardeston.

The visitors' left-arm spinner George Walker took six wickets at Highfield Lawn after Norfolk colleague Michael Eccles had quickly removed both openers, as Fakenham were rolled out for 104, captain Michael Smith top scoring with 37.

Ben Smart (22) and Stephen Gray (10) were the only other members of a potentially strong batting line-up to make double figures.

Hopes were raised at the start of the Swardeston reply as the visitors made a poor start, losing both Will Rist and Richard Sims for ducks. But Jaden Hatwell led them to a five-wicket win with an unbeaten 55 - and having been dismissed just once this year his league average now stands at 239.

The defeat drops Fakenham to second bottom of the 10-team league with 19 points from three games to bottom club Norwich's 13.

On Saturday Fakenham visit Cambridge Granta.

Fakenham's Division Three Lovewell Blake Norfolk Alliance side was a victim of the rain at East Harling, both sides awarded five points.

Fakenham, mid-table, entertain Hales on Saturday at Highfield Lawn (1.30pm start.)

In NCB West Norfolk League Division Three, Fakenham A beat Gayton at Trap Lane.

Fakenham made 141-3 (Dean Futter 60 not out) and bowled Gayton out for 140.

On Saturday, Fakenham visit Beetley while the Division Five side entertain Swanton Morley (both 2pm.)

In the Mid Norfolk Sunday League, Fakenham made 134 to Sprowston's 218-6 in Boyle Division One.

In Haverson Division Three, Fakenham A made 152-4 to Fosters' 251-6.

On Sunday, Fakenham entertain Brooke in the challenge Cup.

Fakenham (228-4) were eliminated from the Stan Biss Trophy at North Runcton (230-4) on Sunday.

Fakenham's wicketkeeper-batsman Stephen Gray was a key figure in Norfolk's MCCA Trophy win over Northumberland at Longhirst Hall in Morpeth on Sunday.

He top scored with 76 which included nine boundaries before he was the eighth wicket to fall. He and former Essex batsman Darren Robinson shared a stand of 67 in 12 overs for the fourth wicket as Norfolk scored 227 in 48.4 overs. They went through to the quarter-finals on June 18 by bowling Northumberland out for 222 in 49.4 overs to scrape home by five runs.