THREE wins out of three have put Fakenham just three points behind Norfolk Alliance Premier Division leaders Norwich & Coltishall Wanderers with a game in hand.

“I couldn’t have asked for any more,” said captain Ben Harvey after Saturday’s 115-run home win over Diss, writes John Cushion.

Fakenham, seeking an immediate return to the EAPL, are now the only unbeaten team in the Alliance top flight.

Opener Keegan Monahan-Fairlee made 41 but Fakenham faded to 80 for four after being asked to bat first in windy conditions.

They rallied to 247 for nine, James Brown making 56, Rudi Hillerman 47 not out off 29 deliveries and James Moy 32.

Diss responded with 132, their wicket-keeper Tom Weal unable to bat because of a dislocated finger.

Fakenham’s win was delayed by a 73-run stand for the seventh wicket in which Diss skipper Simon Cooper made 59.

South African Hillerman returned figures of 13-4-44-4 and Ian Slegg 7.4-2-20-3.

Harvey said Slegg was back to full fitness, which was very pleasing.

He felt it was down to his new occupation, a joint business venture with Monahan-Fairlee called Great Grass. “I think it keeps them fitter. It has helped them get into good nick.”

Of Hillerman, Harvey said: “He is really hitting the straps as a bowler, and having him in the lower batting order is a bonus.”

He was delighted with Brown’s innings at an important times, and with Moy’s contribution.

On Saturday Fakenham are at Lowestoft.

In Alliance Two, Fakenham drew at Hethersett & Tas Valley.

Chasing 271 for seven, they made 211 for four, Will Dunger making 69 not out in a losing draw,

On Saturday Fakenham A entertain Beccles Town.

The Dr Fisher Cup gets under way tonight at Highfield Lawn 6pm when Fakenham play West Norfolk in a game sponsored by Grocott and Murfitt Property Developers.