A depleted Fakenham side crashed to a nine-wicket EAPL defeat at Norwich, their first reverse of the campaign. But they bounced back on Sunday in the Mid Norfolk League with a win at Vauxhall Mallards in a match of more than 580 runs.

A depleted Fakenham side crashed to a nine-wicket EAPL defeat at Norwich, their first reverse of the campaign. But they bounced back on Sunday in the Mid Norfolk League with a win at Vauxhall Mallards in a match of more than 580 runs.

On a green, zippy pitch at Norwich they could muster only 101, Stephen Gray batting well for his 40, his innings cut short by a harsh lbw decision, one for five in the innings. Phil Gray was 19 not out but brothers Aaron (five for 22) and Ashley (three for 14) Watson put Norwich on course for their first win of the season.

Ben Patston smashed 58 from 32 deliveries before being bowled by Keegan de Ridder, but Norwich lost no further wickets, completing victory in only the 15th over, Oliver Higgenbottam finishing 36no.

On Saturday, mid-table Fakenham have another away game, at second-bottom Horsford, who also suffered a nine-wicket defeat at the weekend, at Bury.

On Sunday, in the Boyle Division One, Mallards hit 289-7 off their 40 overs, Danny Galvin claiming three for 49 off nine overs.

Fakenham responded with 292 for six off 39 overs, Phil Gray hitting 147, Aaron Spillett 41 and Galvin competing a fine all-round day with 22 not out.

At Highfield Lawn, Fakenham Norfolk Alliance Division Three side had a losing draw with Downham.

The visitors made 190 for eight (Jason Coe 58, Toby Hood three for 39) and Fakenham responded with 129-7. Brian Whitwood (45) and Stephen Piper (30) looked solid but failed to score at a high enough rate, and when they quickly followed each other back to the pavilion, Chris Crane (24no) helped guide Fakenham to the draw.

Fakenham have no Alliance fixture scheduled for Saturday.

In West Norfolk Division Two, Fakenham A's match was lost to the weather. In Division Four, Fakenham B made 76, Wisbech C hitting a winning 77-4.

On Saturday, Fakenham a are at Sheringham while Fakenham B entertain Catle Acre (2pm).