Overseas star Chad Bowes continued to show his importance to Fakenham as they chalked up a much-needed second win of the season.

After 10 overs during Saturday’s Norfolk Alliance Premier Division clash, visiting Cromwer were 10-2. Tatenda Chiradza soon followed David Turner and Rob Purton. Matthew Warnes was joined by Tom Davies but was soon gone with good bowling from Lloyd Marshall.

Simon Chipperfield was next in and he and Davies progressed the score to 109 in a partnership of 61 until the former was dismissed. The remaining Cromer batsmen offered little resistance leaving Davies high and dry on a well executed 40 as their side slumped to 129 – 31 runs of which were extras. Marshall bowled with good pace and aggression for his 4-17 off nine overs and was well supported by Bowes (2-13).

Bowes and Paul Dunger (17) took the score to 55 before a wicket was lost. An excellent spell of bowling soon left Fakenham at 58-5 and in a spot of bother.

Man of the match Joe Bane-Young started tentatively but built a partnership of 58 with Bowes to push their side towards victory. With just 14 runs required it should have been a formality.

But the hosts were reduced to 127-9 and with three runs still required they edged over the line with a four from Toby Hood. Bowes carried his bat for 71 while Chiradza ended with excellent figures of 6-25.

Norfolk Alliance Division Two Fakenham A made 189-8 in their 45 overs against Brooke A with Harrison Futter making 52. He was well supported by Oscar Campbell (21) and Emily Woodhouse (17).

Brooke achieved their target in the 30th over with Charlie Grisley (51 not out), Robert Panter (58) and Will Minchin 40 doing the business.

Norfolk League Level Four North West Fakenham B were set 226 for victory by Gooderstone A. They chased the runs down with three balls to spare for the loss of two wickets with Bruce Bushell ending on an unbeaten 80.

He was well supported by Michael Spinks (53) and Ben Ashford (48).

There was more good news on Sunday when Fakenham reached the NACO (Plate) Bob Carter Cup semi-finals by recording a convincing 30-run victory over Vauxhall Mallards.

A fine partnership of 156 between Bowes and Keegan Monahan-Fairlie helped Fakenham reach 281-8 in their 50 overs.

While Mallards started well, the Fakenham bowlers stuck to their task and were backed up with high energy in the field.

Mallards finished on 250-9.

FAK: NACO Bob Carter NACCO Cup quarter-final

A convincing 30 run victory for Fakenham over Vauxhall Mallards was a perfect conclusion to a good weekend for the club.

Mallards won the toss and asked Fakenham to bat. The Fakenham innings was built round a fine partnership of 156 between Chad Bowes and Keegan Monahan-Fairlie 67. Bowes was also well supported by Harrison Futter 45 and was out in the 40th over for a fine 114, Fakenham reaching 281 for eight in their 50 overs.

Mallards started well with Troy 32, Allen and Mitchel Todd 38. Devon Conway batted patiently for his 56 well supported by Alistair Shearer 37 and John Ewart 30. The Fakenham bowlers stuck to their task well and were backed up with high energy ground fielding and Mallards finished 250 for nine giving Fakenham a pleasing moral-boosting victory.