An outstanding century from Devon Conway failed to secure a home victory for Vauxhall Mallards.

After openers Matthew Plater and Mitchell Todd departed for a combined total of 28 runs, the Ducks' number three batsman set about trying to inspire a fightback against Frinton-on-Sea.

He did exactly that on his home wicket by scoring 110 off 162 balls in a knock that included 17 fours. Luke Caswell, who added 62 to his side's total of 257-7, played his part as the hosts posted the league's best score of the weekend.

Adam Todd and Paul Bradshaw made early inroads by removing Russell Stockdale (17), Murray Commins (7), Matthew Foakes (5) and Kyran Young (9) to leave the visitors wobbling on 63-4.

Yet hopes of a Mallards success suffered a huge hit when the impressive Mervyn Westfield was joined at the crease by David Brent. The pair put on 117 runs in a partnership that almost certainly sent the fixture heading towards a draw.

Bradshaw sent Westfield packing just three runs shy of his ton while Todd – who ended with figures of 3-38 from 18 overs – clean-bowled Brent.

When the same bowler sent Michael Griggs back to the pavilion for a duck dreams of a late collapse resurfaced. However, Thomas Benn and Alex Price stuck around long enough to ensure Frinton were not beaten.

Mallards' 14-point haul was a decent return for their efforts on a day where two of the club's Norfolk rivals also drew.

At Burwell, Great Witchingham were set the target of 254 – a total they were unable to reach. Andy Hanby (4-55) and James Hale (3-67) were the star turns with the ball before Brenton McDonald took centre stage at the crease.

His 91 from 121 balls, which contained 13 fours and two sixes, picked up the pace of the run chase but the Witches could only reach 208 at the close of play for the loss of five wickets. Jonothan Spelman second top-scored with 48.

It was a similar story at Copdock & Old Ipswichian for Horsford as they tried, and failed, to get past a mammoth 299-4 – created in large thanks to Andy Northcote's fantastic 104.

Ben France carried his bat for 83 in a spirited 246-7 which earned his side nine points – two less than the Witches and five less than Mallards.

Swardeston and Norwich had weekends to remember as they tasted success on the road with the former opening up a 20-point gap at the top of the table.

While Cambridge Granta were being beaten at Sudbury, the champions took advantage by beating Woolpit by two wickets. Wickets were shared about as the hosts made 256-8.

Opener Peter Lambert's 82 got the visitors on their way and plenty of double-figure contributions ensured Swardeston stole a march in the title race.

Norwich were always in with a shout when they bowled Bury St Edmunds all out for 120. William O'Donnell followed up his 43-5 by scoring an unbeaten 68 to almost get the job done.

Plenty of his team-mates went cheaply but Aaron Watson finally helped clinch a two-wicket win.