Cromer got their Norfolk Alliance Premier Division campaign off to a promising start on Saturday.

It was very much a batsman's day at the Norton Warnes Ground as the hosts saw off North Runcton by six wickets in a match which produced over 500 runs.

Runcton's Ben Robinson (96) and Ben Coote (94 not out) led the way as the visitors got up to a more than useful 256-6 in their 50 overs. Michael Warnes was the most successful bowler, taking 3-27, while new professional Devon Singh-Parhar had a solid debut, returning figures of 2-36.

North Runcton were then let down by the bowlers, who handed over no fewer than 55 runs on a plate by bowling wides. That lack of discipline proved crucial, with an unbeaten 76 from Michael Warnes steering the home side to victory with more than four overs to spare. Robert Purton and Richard Charlwood also made telling contributions, each scoring 43.

Cromer were involved in another excellent game of cricket on Sunday and despite ending up on the losing side gave another good account of themselves.

They travelled to East Anglian Premier League side Norwich in the first round of the Carter Cup and pushed their hosts all the way before going down to a 23-run defeat.

Norwich put themselves firmly in the driving seat by reaching 284-8 in their 60 overs, with Will O'Donnell making 85 and opener Lewis Sexton and No 8 Jason Blake 61 and 54 not out respectively.

It was a tall order for the underdogs but, led by Singh-Parhar, they kept Norwich on their toes by putting in an excellent effort which fell just short in the end.

The overseas star made 85 while Frankie Sutton contributed 45 and Jamie Carter (46) and Nat Laws (36) provided the New Zealander with support lower down the order.

Cromer are away to Downham on Saturday (1pm).

Cromer A also made an encouraging start, beating Norwich B by 40 runs in Division Five.

They reached 229-5 at Ingham, with the top three of Alan Lithins (60), Chris Carey (48) and Nat Law (69) all making excellent contributions. Norwich were restricted to 189-7 in reply, with Tom Jackson taking 3-39. On Saturday Cromer's second string host Alliance new-boys Snettisham.