A century from James Brown and two major partnerships were the features of Fakenham's EAPL draw at Clacton where they ran out of time in their bid to secure victory in a runs-laden contest.

A century from James Brown and two major partnerships were the features of Fakenham's EAPL draw at Clacton where they ran out of time in their bid to secure victory in a runs-laden contest.

The hosts posted a commanding 277 for nine, with Sanjaya Rodrigo and Ben Smart picking up three wickets each, but both going for more than six an over.

Fakenham openers Brown and James Hill (27) put on 94, before Michael Vandort joined forces with Brown in a second-wicket stand of 105 to keep Fakenham in the hunt.

Brown completed his century but fell soon afterwards and the wickets tumbled towards the end as Fakenham tried in vain to overhaul Clacton's total. Vandort remained unbeaten on 93 as Fakenham finished on 255 for six.

On Saturday, Fakenham have the daunting task of trying to halt Vauxhall Mallards' march towards the title. The match at Highfield Lawn starts at 11am.

After that clash there are four matches left in the season. Fakenham (210 points) have climbed to fifth bottom well clear of bottom side Godmanchester (138).

Fakenham's remaining matches are away to second-placed Swardeston and third team Cambridge Granta on successive Saturdays, at home to fifth-placed Bury then away to a Great Witchingham outfit two places and three points worse off.

Fakenham's Alliance Division Three side have slipped to third after two weeks without matches because of teams withdrawing from the league.

They have 205 points to Horsford's 239 and Downham A's 244 and only two fixtures remaining - at fourth-placed Hethersett & Tas Valley on Saturday then at home to fifth-placed Ashmanhaugh on August 29. Fakenham, however, have played 12 matches to the 14 of the two teams above them.

In West Norfolk League Division Two, Fakenham A (161 for two) won at Heacham (160 for eight) and are fifth. They visit Terrington St Clement on Saturday and end at home to Downham on August 29.

In Division four, a third-bottom Fakenham B entertain Necton on Saturday and visit them for their last game of the campaign.

t In the Alliance Terry Moore U11 final, Fakenham came out on top by 61 runs against Sheringham who batted first and made 116.

Fakenham's reply was 177. Man of the match was Fakenham's Lloyd Marshall who scored 34 and took 1-15.