SHERINGHAM (25 points) beat Dereham (four) by 98 runs in Norfolk Alliance Division Two on Saturday at Dereham and provided further evidence that they are the team to beat in the section.

SHERINGHAM (25 points) beat Dereham (four) by 98 runs in Norfolk Alliance Division Two on Saturday at Dereham and provided further evidence that they are the team to beat in the section.

They took over at the top of the league from their hosts, who were the morning leaders, with a convincing demolition job.

Skipper Jimmy Hall lost the toss and was invited by Dereham to bat. The wicket was predominantly dry but had some damp patches.

The Lobsters made a watchful start and lost Jordan Taylor for six in the eighth over. Fellow opener Kieron Tuck also fell for six in the 13th over with the score on 25.

When Chris Sutton was run out for nought in the next over Dereham were sensing a collapse. But Hall joined the overseas player Ravi Pushpakumara and together they started to rebuild the innings.

Following the first of three delays for rain, Hall fell for 27 with the score on 106. However, Chris Carey (12) joined Pushpakumara and helped take the score to 134, and when he fell Galton Blackiston batted superbly for 25.

Pushpakumara was finally out for an excellent 87, but the depth of Sheringham's batting told as Kristian Howell (13 not out) and Andy King (12 not out) took the score to a very reasonable 204-7 off 46 overs.

In reply, Dereham got off to a flyer with Duncan Hewitt (14) and Tom Wallace (18) scoring at six an over. But Hewitt was comprehensively bowled by Pushpakumara in the fifth over and from then on there was only ever going to be one winner.

Jay Eastoe-Smith (11) and Andrew Lawrence (27) briefly threatened but Sheringham were able to control the game and the challenge from Dereham faded to 106 all out.

The biggest danger to Sheringham's victory hopes was the unsettled weather, but victory was secured at 8.40pm with further rain threatening.

Pushpakumara completed a fine day personally with 3-29. Evan Tuck 2-28, Carey 1-18, Stuart Smith 1-20 and King 1-6 completed the job for Sheringham.

On this form Sheringham look a good bet for promotion, but with over half the season still remaining will need to remain on their game before the celebrations can begin.

Hayes & Storr man of the match was Ravi Pushpakumara.

Next, Sheringham entertain Swardeston A at Weybourne Road.

Sheringham A fell to a four-wicket defeat at home to Springwood after setting the visitors 116 to win.

Skipper Wes Neave was the Premium Wine Collections Man of the Match for top scoring with 40.