Fakenham lost the leadership of the EAPL, and Saffron Walden their second spot, following Saturday's draw at Highfield Lawn. Fakenham's two-match 100 per cent record was ended by a losing draw against the league newcomers, writes John Cushion .

Fakenham lost the leadership of the EAPL, and Saffron Walden their second spot, following Saturday's draw at Highfield Lawn.

Fakenham's two-match 100 per cent record was ended by a losing draw against the league newcomers, writes John Cushion .

Imran Ali was Fakenham's leading bowler with three for 52 as Walden posted a steady 220 for six from their 66 overs, Giles Ecclestone again top scoring with 74.

Several of the Fakenham batsmen made starts, with skipper Sean Cooper reaching 34 and Stephen Gray making 18 before being dismissed.

The regular fall of wickets hampered the run chase and although newcomer Majid Amin hit 54 not out, Fakenham closed a long way short of their target, on 159 for seven. They slip to third place.

Again much of the boundary conversation was about the team batting first having a 12-over advantage.

In Norfolk Alliance Division Three, Fakenham won for the second successive week and are second in the table. They won by 10 wickets at Thetford.

The home side won the toss and elected to bat on a dry, dusty track. Steven Earl, continuing his good early-season form, returned 8-4-11-3, and with Rob Savoury taking 3-14 and new signing from Sheringham Andy King 3-8, Thetford were reduced to 58 all out.

Stephen Piper continued to show safe hands behind the stumps, claiming four victims, although five catches went down in the outfield.

Despite the ball spitting off the wicket, Brian Whitwood (26no) and skipper Paul Dunger (27no) guided Fakenham home.

Dunger said his side now had to consolidate on their good start to the campaign.

In West Norfolk League Division Two, Aarron Spillett made 83 and Bruce Bushell 48 as Fakenham A made 185-3 then bowled Gayton out for 105.

In Division Four, Fakenham B made 143-9, Necton responding with 146-1.

In the Mid Norfolk League, Fakenham 149-2 beat Hellesdon 148 in Boyle Division One.

This weekend sees the EAPL side at Ingam against Norwich, the Alliance team at home to Downham (1.30pm).

The West Norfolk League sides are at home to Thornham and at Wisbech C respectively on Saturday and the Mid Norfolk League sides at Mallards and at home to Drayton on Sunday.