Dereham came through a tough challenge to claim their seventh straight win in Division One of the Norfolk Alliance on Saturday.

They won an exciting game at third placed Swardeston A by three wickets to keep the pressure on the only side above them in the table Diss, who also claimed victory.

Dereham remain 25 points behind the leaders with a game in hand ahead of another testing away game at fourth placed Thetford on Saturday (1pm start).

After losing the toss and being asked to field first Dereham found themselves chasing an impressive total of 252-7.

Former Norfolk captain George Walker top scored for the hosts at The Common with 102 while Jake Anema took 3-42 and David Lake 2-24.

In reply the visitors finally got home off the fourth ball of the final over, with three wickets in hand. David Lake (64) and Dan Lake (45) were the main contributors, with Joe Marczewski (27 not out) seeing them over the line.

Diss skipper Mark Williamson took 5-27 at The Denes Oval as Lowestoft were skittled out for 137, with the visitors going on to win by seven wickets in less than 23 overs as Chris Cooper cracked an unbeaten 90.

In the same section Mattishall were involved in another match that went to the final over and after a battling display ended up losing it by five wickets.

They made 250 at Thetford, with Mark Stokes top scoring with 80, and saw their hosts edge home off the third ball of their 50th over. The run chase was led by Ryan Conroy (65) and Liam Conroy (60) while Dan Weber took 3-44.

Mattishall continue their bid to pull away from the relegation zone with a trip to Stow on Saturday.

Keenan Stokes returned the impressive figures of 5-18 as Mattishall A bowled out Bradenham A for 131 in Division Five before going on to win by six wickets, with opener Jack Chetwood contributing 54.

In Division Six Dereham A's Neal Widdows took 6-8 as Hales and Loddon were bowled out for 70 after Dereham had made 218 (Sam West 63).

On Saturday Mattishall A host second placed Hockwold while Dereham A entertain Thetford A.