Dereham's top of the table clash in Division One of the Norfolk Alliance was cut short by the weather on Saturday while delicately poised.

The hosts had done well to dismiss leaders Diss for just 140 but they were struggling on 35-3 in reply when the heavens opened and the match was abandoned as a draw.

With Swardeston A beating Norwich A, Dereham dropped out of the top two as a result, with Swardeston now seven points above them. The gap to Diss is 38 points, although Dereham have a game in hand on them.

The leaders won the toss on Saturday and decided to bat first, but it was a constant struggle against an accurate home attack, with a top score of just 23 from opener Mark Williamson as they were bowled out in the 47th over.

Soren Gauntlett was the most successful bowler, claiming the excellent figures of 4-24 in his 10 overs, while skipper Duncan Hewitt weighed in with 2-22 and Jake Anema 2-27.

With the skies darkening the reply was never likely to be straightforward and Hewitt and Liam Cameron both went for ducks and Ryan Fitt was run out for 15 before rain brought a premature end to proceedings.

Dereham travel to mid-table Bradfield on Saturday (1pm start).

Mattishall moved closer to relegation as they were beaten at home by Bradfield by four wickets.

After being restricted to 197-7 their bowlers turned in a solid display, but the visitors finished on 198-6 with Pete Murphy unbeaten on 60 and Ollie Kimber contributing 53.

Mattishall, who are now 45 points adrift of the safety mark, travel to Halvergate to take on Vauxhall Mallards A on Saturday.

Cromer A needed just 18.3 overs to send Mattishall A packing in Division Five.

The 10-man visitors were bowled out for 42 in 12 overs with only two bowlers used, James Craske taking 6-20 and Darren Payne 3-14.

Cromer then wrapped up the win inside seven overs for the loss of one wicket, Tom Jackson finishing unbeaten on 24.

Dereham A were out of luck at Diss A, with the rain forcing an abandonment after they had bowled their hosts out for 72 and reached 31-1 in reply. Tom Head had taken 4-8 in 7.2 overs for the seconds.

On Saturday Mattishall A host Great Melton A while Dereham A entertain Topcroft A.