Fakenham had morning EAPL leaders Vauxhall Mallards hanging on for a draw at Brundall ahead of Saturday's visit to Highfield Lawn of new leaders Swardeston (11am start).

Fakenham had morning EAPL leaders Vauxhall Mallards hanging on for a draw at Brundall ahead of Saturday's visit to Highfield Lawn of new leaders Swardeston (11am start).

Mallards, now third to Fakenham's eighth in the 12-team league, saw openers Sanjaya Rodrigo (42) and James Hill (74) build a solid foundation with an opening stand of 113 for Fakenham.

Michael Vandort scored a brisk 37 but the middle order, apart from Phil Gray (30), mustered little support as the visitors reached 225 off 61.2 overs. Six Fakenham players were given out lbw.

There were four wickets apiece for Martin Addison and Alastair Turner.

Imran Ali delivered a four-wicket performance for Fakenham, striking early to send Carl Amos (eight) and Cei Aanderson (four) back to the pavilion before Rob Purton (42), Peter Free (52) and Richard Moores (34) guided Mallards to 181 for five.

But after Free went, Ali returned with another two-wicket salvo and last-wicket pair Turner and Addison staved off defeat as Mallards held on at 207 for nine (Fakenham 15 points, Mallards 11, Sean Cooper 1-35, Joe Pitkin 2-45, Rodrigo 2-16).

Fakenham's Alliance Division Three side beat morning leaders Hethersett & Tas Valley by six wickets at Highfield Lawn to go fourth.

The visitors looked set for a big total until the Fakenham bowlers reined them in and limited them to 164-9, Ian Slegg claimed 3-33, Chris Crane 3-15 and Toby Hood 3-40, all catches being held.

In reply, openers Brian Whitwood (25) and Neil Yarham (68) put on 93 for the first wicket before three wickets were lost within the space of four balls. But with Crane making 39 not out, Fakenham reached a winning 165-4.

On Saturday they visit Kirkley & Lowestoft Railway.

In West Norfolk League Division Two, Fakenham A made 130, Holt 134 for two. In Division Four, Fakenham B replied to Dereham B's 208 for five with 190.

On Saturday, the A team are at Gayton, the B side at home to Gooderstone.

The Mid Norfolk League was a washout on Sunday. This weekend Fakenham entertain Ashmanaugh.