Sheringham entertained top of the league Stow A in Norfolk Alliance Division Four on Saturday knowing the opposition would prove the toughest test so far for this season's rejuvenated outfit.

The Lobsters won the toss and elected to bowl first. Openers C. Moy and P. Sheridan supported this decision by bowling with control early on as just 23 came from the first 12 overs.

It was however the introduction of N. Lomax (1-26) into the attack that brought about the breakthrough in the 17th over with the score 41. Sheringham's control continued until the drinks break with R. Sturgess (1-49) joining the attack, as Stow reached 60-1 after 23 overs.

After the break they reach 77-1 from 30 overs before with wickets in hand started to launch an attack on the Sheringham bowlers.

Opener S. Moulton (75) went past 50, and alongside I. Perrin (32) started to dominate as they chased a competitive score. A couple of chances went down, as Sheringham's now customary mid innings sloppiness threatened to spoil the earlier good work.

The run-out of Moulton in the 38th over, when both batsmen were left stranded at the same end, broke a partnership of 100 and was a much needed boost as 60 runs had been added in the previous seven overs.

With eight overs left, and the score on 143-2 the Stow middle order still had licence to attack and proceeded to add a further 57 from the last eight overs to reach a score of 200-6 from their 46 overs. Sheridan (1-26) returned to pick up a deserved wicket, while a run-out off the final ball gave the home side a third bowling point.

Sheringham's reply got off to a disappointing start with M. Hudson (0) trapped leg before in the first over. K. Howell joined P. Sheridan at the crease and the pair set about setting the foundations for the Lobsters' run chase.

Sheridan looked particularly fluent with a fine array of strokes, with Howell offering some much needed support from the other end, before departing for 22 to end a partnership of 72 and leave the score 75-2 in the 17th over.

The home side were up on the required run rate as R. Sturgess (14) came to the crease; and attempted to continue to pressurise the bowlers before a top edged sweep abruptly ended his innings.

Sheridan soon departed after hitting eight fours and a six in a classy 68 as Sheringham reached 136-4 from 30 overs.

With 65 needed from the final 16 the game was still in the balance, particularly if Stow could remove either J. Hall or skipper W. Neave who were now at the crease.

Together though the pair batted sensibly as they gradually brought Sheringham closer and closer to victory; with Hall in particular having to dig in while Neave began to attack and find the boundary with ease. Hall (30 not out) and Neave (43 not out) soon saw Sheringham home to an impressive six wicket win with 15 balls to spare.

The win gave Sheringham 23 points and took them to the top of the league table, continuing a fine unbeaten start. The hard work to remain at the summit of the league starts nowwith a trip to Mundford first up on Saturday,

n A hard-hitting maiden century from Wes Neave and a hat-trick from Ben Stromberg lead the Sheringham Sunday side to victory at home to Bacton.

Neave smashed 104 not out as Sheringham posted 206-6 with Harley Bailey adding a fluent 65.

In reply Bacton were bowled out for 147, with Sheringham wrapping up a 59 run victory.

n Bradfield had an afternoon to forget at Swardeston A as they were dismissed for just 49 to lose their latest Norfolk Alliance Division One fixture by 84 runs.

They did well to bowl their hosts out for 133 after they had been 66 for one with David Yarham positng the excellent figures of four for 19.

But it all went wrong for Bradfield when they batted on a tricky surface, with Josh Gray (11) the only player to make double figures as they were dismissed inside 27 overs. Sam Thelwell, Uzzal Hossain and Dale Reynolds are took three wickets for Swardeston.