With just four rounds of matches to be played the race for the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division title appears to be heading towards an exciting conclusion.

Cromer stayed firmly in the hunt after getting back to winning ways in a testing encounter on Saturday but leaders Downham Town also came out on top to keep their noses in front.

They remain 16 points clear ahead of Saturday's fixtures which see the leaders travel to bottom side Sprowston while Cromer visit mid-table Acle (1pm starts).

Addam Todd weighed with the impressive figures of 4-22 as Downham bowled out Garboldisham for 166 at the weekend.

Ian Harrison (55) and Patrick Yates (69 not out) then led the way as the home side got home in the 32nd over to maintain their position of strength.

It was a good deal closer at the Norton Warnes Ground, where Old Buckenham posted a solid total of 226-8 in a 45 over match, thanks largely to Rob Thurley's unbeaten 92 and support knocks in the 40s from Glen Meredith and Andrew Lawrence.

Frankie Sutton returned the impressive figures of 9-2-21-3 for the hosts while Michael Warnes and James Craske each took two wickets

Cromer had just seven deliveries to spare when they finally got home with eight down, the platform having been set by an opening partnership of 55 between Frankie Sutton (31) and top scorer Matthew Warnes (38).

From then on there were a series a solid contributions, with all but one batsman making double figures and skipper Michael Warnes contributing a crucial 28 from No 8.

North Runcton also remain in with an outside title chance 40 points behind the leaders following an eight wicket win over a Sprowston side who appear doomed to the drop.

Chasing 130-7 in 35 overs was no problem for the hosts, with Norfolk player Ben Coote following his 2-11 off seven overs with 60 off 39 balls.

Cromer A were impressive eight wicket winners at Old Catton in Division Five.

They bowled their hosts out for 194 and then got home with more than 10 overs to spare, with Nat Laws (63 not out) and Jamie Carter (42 not out) putting together an unbroken partnership of 76.

Earlier Nick Bond had scored 63 while the bowling honours were shared by Daniel Byrne (3-49) and Bond, Woodrow and Tom Jackson, who each took two wickets.

Cromer seconds are at home to Swardeston CEYMS on Saturday.