Bradfield gave promotion-chasing Swardeston A a good game before slipping to a three wicket defeat in their latest Norfolk Alliance Division One fixture.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first Blofield were grateful for an excellent knock from Ed Botwright as they struggled against a strong attack at The Common.

Botwright's 73 was the highest score by some distance, with the visitors eventually all out for 146 in the 36th over as Alfie Cooper and David Horrex both took three wickets.

With rain around Swardeston knew victory was anything but a formality but they got home in the 34th over, helped by 52 extras which was comfortably the top scorer.

Zane Kennedy shone with the abll for Bradfield, taking 4-27 in eight overs while Michael Seago chipped in with a couple of wickets.

The seconds had a good game at Bradfield in Division Six, beating Ashmanhaugh and Barton Wanderers A by 69 runs.

The hosts made 224-7 and then restricted the visitors to 155-9.

Peter Abbs and John Hewetson topped the scoring with 45 each while Nick Hewetson had the best bowling figures of 3-23.

Bradfield are at home to Thetford in a mid-table match on Saturday while the seconds travel to Dereham A (1pm starts).

The top of the table match in Division Two was a surprisingly one-sided affair, with second-placed Beccles romping home.

Stuart Watkins took 4-27 and Matt Lowe 3-4 as Topcroft were skittled out for just 75 and that was a target the home side chased down for the loss of only three wickets.

Beccles are now just three points behind the leaders, while Hethersett and Tas Valley remain well in touch in third following a four-wicket win against Brooke A.

Martham are beginning to look untouchable at the top of Division Three. Their latest win came at Fakenham A, who were dispatched by five wickets after being dismissed for 141. Andrew Hancock impressed for the hosts, making 76, while Marham's Lewis Dunn returned the eye-catching figures of 4.2-3-4.

Their closest rivals both won. Great Melton finished on 158-3 in reply to Swardeston B's 157-6 while Bungay also eased home with something to spare, losing only two wickets when chasing down Winterton's 177-9.