JAKE Anema's magnificent century gave Dereham hope of an unlikely success at Alliance Division Two leaders Mattishall on Saturday - before the hosts recovered to claim a 30-run win.

JAKE Anema's magnificent century gave Dereham hope of an unlikely success at Alliance Division Two leaders Mattishall on Saturday - before the hosts recovered to claim a 30-run win.

Mattishall's strong batting line-up had put Dereham's depleted bowling resources to the sword, declaring on a massive 294 for three from 43 overs.

But Anema set about chasing down that huge target with relish, smashing six sixes and 14 fours in his 117no as Dereham were left needing 37 to win from the last six overs with four wickets remaining.

After the departure of Neil Irons for 34, however, the Dereham tail was exposed and Mattishall regained control to remain top of the table.

Earlier, former Dereham players Cameron Brown and Jay Eastoe-Smith had taken full toll of a bowling attack still missing Joe Marczewski and Gary Starling through injury.

They put on a century opening stand before Lee Hoggett bowled Brown for 32. Eastoe-Smith batted particularly fluently as he passed the half-century mark, but he was bowled by Max Cheetham for 63 as Dereham strove to exert a measure of control.

They looked like restricting Mattishall to a manageable total until the arrival of Australian Ben Bourke put an entirely different complexion on the game.

He effortlessly stroked six sixes in a quickfire unbeaten 78 and with Gordon Chetwood making a composed 62no, Mattishall skipper Jason Cole was able to declare with three overs remaining.

Howard Tobias opened the bowling for Mattishall against his old club and he picked up the first wicket in the fourth over as David Lake was caught behind. Soon afterwards, he struck again in similar fashion to remove Cheetham.

Duncan Hewitt's dismissal left Dereham on 63 for three, but Phil Banyard and Jake Anema then put on 50 for the fourth wicket to revive Dereham's hopes.

Banyard was well caught at cover by Cole for 35, but Hoggett and Anema raised the tempo with some big hitting to keep Dereham in the hunt.

After the departure of Hoggett and Starling, Irons and Anema smashed 48 in six overs, but Tobias found Irons' inside edge and the ball brushed the stumps to effectively end Dereham's hopes.

Kristien Fletcher was run out as Dereham continued to pursue victory and Tobias picked up his fifth wicket before Bourke wrapped up proceedings by quickly removing last man George Pledger.

Dereham host Downham A on Saturday while Mattishall entertain Garboldisham, 1pm starts.