Dereham were hard hit by Lowestoft's South African all-rounder Sammy-Joe Avontuur in Sunday's Carter Cup. He hit 124 in Lowestoft's 401-6, his 50 taking 16 balls and his century a competition record 39 deliveries.

Dereham were hard hit by Lowestoft's South African all-rounder Sammy-Joe Avontuur in Sunday's Carter Cup. He hit 124 in Lowestoft's 401-6, his 50 taking 16 balls and his century a competition record 39 deliveries.

He then took 4-27 as Dereham were bowled out for 175.

Dereham opened their Alliance Division Two season with a 61-run defeat by newcomers Hales.

Having won the toss and elected to field first, Dereham struggled to make a breakthrough on a good wicket with a fast outfield.

Hales totalled 262-5 with Kristian Fletcher taking three wickets and Nic Cains bowling well on his first team debut for no reward.

Dereham's reply started in dreadful fashion with them slumping to 16-3. However they recovered with useful contributions from Lee Hoggett, Jake Anema and the impressive Cains.

Highlight of the innings was a fine 50 from skipper Joe Marczewski, but after he was dismissed Dereham were unable to hang on for a draw, finishing on 202 all out with just 11 balls remaining.

Dereham play their first home game of the season against Hillington on Saturday.

Bradenham opened with two seven-wicket wins.

In Alliance One they fielded one of their youngest-ever teams and replied to host side Sheringham's 247-7 with 250-3, then on Sunday they beat Hales in the Carter Cup.

Also in Alliance One, Mattishall replied to Saham Toney's 248-9 with 136 all out.

Fakenham, last season's wooden spoonists, are the early pace-setters in the EAPL, their win at Godmanchester meaning a 100 per cent start. They lost by 101 runs at home to Cromer in the Carter Cup, however.