Following a first Norfolk Alliance defeat of the season after a run of 11 wins, skipper Ben Harvey hopes his Fakenham side will show how good they are by bouncing back against visitors Lowestoft at Highfield Lawn on Saturday, writes John Cushion.

At Diss at the weekend, Fakenham (148) lost by 22 runs after the home side had posted 170 for eight.

One individual highlight for Fakenham was South African Rudi Hillerman claiming a hat-trick. The defeat cut Fakenham’s lead to 37 points over Sprowston, who visit the Lawn on September 9.

“Unless you are having a phenomenal, record-breaking season, this day was inevitably going to come,” said Harvey. “Sometimes a defeat is not a bad thing, it makes you realise you are beatable, and after perhaps some comfortable victories it is time to get back to playing some really tough cricket.”

He said the team had spoken after the game at Diss. “We are naturally disappointed that our winning streak has come to an end, but hopefully we can define ourselves as a good team by how we bounce back.

“Diss played some very good cricket. I felt we were beaten by the team that played the best cricket on the day.

“We didn’t bowl particularly poorly. The wicket was slow, they posted a fair total then bowled and fielded exceptionally well.”

Harvey said one dismissal summed up Fakenham’s day. A shot from James Moy looked destined for a big six when Rob Tooke made what looked a despairing dive, stuck out a hand and held onto a catch which the Fakenham skipper described as international class. “It was a fantastic catch which typified our day.”

In Division Two, Fakenham A (206 for six) beat visitors Horsford A (204 for eight) by four wickets, denting their visitors’ promotion hopes.

Fakenham’s teenage bowler Yin Lo claimed four for 42, and Sam Hunt, 13, kept wicket well. The team visits Saham Toney on Saturday.

In West Norfolk League Division Four, Fakenham C (97 for two) beat Castle Acre A (96) by eight wickets and are second in the table.

The Fakenham club have sent their best wishes to stalwart supporter Geoff Riches, wishing him a speedy return to good health.