CRICKET: Fakenham continued to improve with a draw at EAPL title contenders Saffron Walden, but they were once again left to rue their inability to turn dominance into victory.

CRICKET: Fakenham continued to improve with a draw at EAPL title contenders Saffron Walden, but they were once again left to rue their inability to turn dominance into victory.

Gayan Wijekoon top scored with 61 from 113 balls as Fakenham posted 201 for nine after both openers, Sanjaya Rodrigo and Paul Dunger, went without scoring. Stephen Gray made 39, Phil Gray 26, Skipper Sean Cooper 22 and Joe Pipkin 19.

Fakenham then seized control by dismissing former England Test batsman Jason Gallian and Essex starlet Tom Westley cheaply as the hosts slumped to 29 for three.

The ever-reliable Giles Ecclestone (55) guided his side out of trouble, but after he was dismissed Walden seemed set to fold as they were reduced to 163 for nine. Last man Darren Cousins defied the Fakenham attack for 16 balls, however as the hosts managed to bat out for a draw. Ian slegg took three for 39.

Fakenham are third bottom, now 18 points ahead of bottom side Halstead. On Saturday they entertain Bury St Edmunds.

Keegan de Ridder, basking in weather reminscent of his Australian homeland, made an unbeaten 137 for Fakenham's Alliance side at Highfield Lawn (two sixes - the second off the last ball of the innings - and 18 fours) in a total of 242 for six. But Saham Toney gained a 90pc losing draw with 232 for six (Matt Thomas 68). The side is at North Runcton on Saturday.

In West Norfolk League Division Two, Robert Savory claimed five for 37 in Fakenham A's four-wicket win over Sactle Acre. Fakenham made 169 for six, Castle Acre 165.

In Division Four, Fakenham B (180 for nine) beat Castle Acre A (115) by 65 runs.