Fakenham, leaders of the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division after four wins out of four, on Saturday entertain defending champions Downham, who have dominated the league in recent years.

“These are the big games,” said Fakenham skipper Ben Harvey. “A lot has been made of Fakenham and Downham this season. We know they are a good side and we will be preparing well during the week.

“We know if we can concentrate and play to our abilities we can get among them, but it will be a difficult game.”

Harvey was pleased with another convincing win at the weekend, Fakenham winning by eight wickets at Lowestoft where Ian Slegg (pictured) delivered a bowling masterclass, writes John Cushion.

He claimed seven for 45 as Lowestoft were bowled out for 140.

“Ian was fantastic. He was disciplined – it’s something we have come to expect of him. He added another pro to his collection, South African batsman Mpho Sekhoto.”

Harvey said Fakenham backed themselves to bowl well, looking for a couple of early wickets. Slegg was well supported by Rudi Hillerman and Sean Cooper, who both beat the bat without luck on many occasions, and by a good fielding display.

“We have worked hard on our fielding and it’s nice to see that paying off. We took all the chances offered to us.”

For once, Harvey and Keegan Monahan-Fairlee failed to get a good start, but the Gray Brothers matched the right amount of caution with positive play to guide Fakenham to victory on 144 for two, Stephen hitting 62 not out and Phil an unbeaten 48.

Saturday’s match starts at 1pm.

Will Dunger had a fine all-round return in Fakenham A’s 90 per cent losing draw at home to Beccles in Alliance Division Two.

He claimed five for 62 as Fakenham hit back to limit Beccles to 227 for eight then made 52 of the 209 for seven reply, Beccles’ spinners putting the brakes on mid-innings.

Brain Whitwood made 35, Luke Findlay 27 and Jason Clarke 36 not out in Fakenham’s reply. The side visits Horsford A on Saturday.