CROMER went top of the Lovewell Blake Norfolk Alliance Premier Division after wrecking defending champion's Downham's 100 per cent start to the season.

CROMER went top of the Lovewell Blake Norfolk Alliance Premier Division after wrecking defending champion's Downham's 100 per cent start to the season.

Rayno Arendse blasted 108 in Cromer's total of 191-7 and Downham could muster only 107-8 in reply for a losing draw. Jez Wright (3-10) and Michael Warnes (3-25) were the bowling stars for Cromer.

In a match reduced to 45 overs per side due to wet weather, Cromer won the toss and elected to bat on a wet track that seemed to suit the bowlers. Cromer's captain Tom Davies had the confidence in his batsmen to set a decent total.

Openers Arendse and Richard Charlwood started confidently and played some tremendous shots, on what seemed like a bowlers' paradise. They put on 60 in 15 overs before Charlewood was dismissed leg before to Todd for 13. At this point Arendse was five short of his 50.

The overseas man reached his half-century off 58 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes. He continued to bat with freedom and class, showing a full array of shots and made his century off 118 deliveries.

In the meantime Dean Elliott and Colin Brown were both sent back to the pavilion. The Cromer professional was dismissed eight balls later with a total of 108 off 126 balls. A fantastic display of batting had moved Cromer on to 158-4.

Seven overs remained, and despite three quick wickets, 25 from Davies and 15 not out from Warnes saw Cromer post a very competitive score of 191-7.

The Cromer batsmen proved that skipper Davies was correct to show faith and confidence in them. Barnard (3-52 off 12) was the pick of the Downham bowlers.

It was the turn of the Cromer bowlers to use the damp wicket in a way the Downham attack failed to do. Warnes made a breakthrough in the first over, bowling Al Stuart for nought.

Very tight bowling from Warnes and Arendse restricted Downham to 51-4 after 20 overs. This spell saw the Downham pro Phangiso out for a duck to a superb diving catch from Charlwood off Warnes. Wright and Colin Brown maintained the high standard.

Brown got the crucial wicket of Lanchester (23.)

The brilliant Cromer bowling forced the champions to try and bat out for a losing draw. Tullett finished 24 not out as they ended 107-8.

In a superb performance from all the Cromer side with bat and ball, they played the conditions perfectly and were dominant throughout the game.