A severely under-strength Dereham side produced their most spirited performance of the season to give promotion-chasing Sheringham a scare on Saturday.

A severely under-strength Dereham side produced their most spirited performance of the season to give promotion-chasing Sheringham a scare on Saturday.

The Dereham Norfolk Alliance Division Two side was ravaged by injuries and absentees and showed six changes from the previous week, but the main difference between the two sides proved to be Sheringham's overseas professional, Ravi Pushpakumara.

The Sri Lankan took five wickets and fired an unbeaten 96 as his side won by four wickets to remain on course for promotion.

Dereham batted first and lost Jack West early on, before debutant David Lake was bowled first ball by ex-Norfolk player Chris Carey.

Andy Lawrence went for 10, but opener Max Cheetham (30) found some support in the middle order as Jake Anema (33) began the recovery.

Skipper Duncan Hewitt dropped himself down the order and the move paid off as he made 53 batting at No 6, before being controversially given out caught behind.

The Dereham tail denied Sheringham maximum bowling points as they closed on 163 for nine.

Dereham made steady inroads into the Sheringham batting as recalled veteran Ian Battelley picked up two wickets, while part-time bowler Hewitt also grabbed two victims, including Sheringham skipper Jimmy Hall, who made just one.

Lawrence also bagged a brace of wickets, but the Dereham bowlers were unable to remove Pushpakumara, despite a confident appeal for caught behind off Hewitt.

The Sri Lankan saw Sheringham to victory with seven balls to spare, but the Dereham side could be justifiably proud of a battling display.

Dereham A were all out for just 52 against Swanton Morley in West Norfolk League Division One as they felt the effects of the first team absentees.

Swanton Morley then cruised to a seven-wicket win.

Dereham B were unable to raise a side and had to forfeit their game at Grimston A in Division Four.

Dereham Jaguars saw their Junior Carter Cup semi-final against Downham/Stow Bombers postponed because of rain on Sunday.

The two sides will try again this Sunday, vying for a place in the final of the Under-17s competition, at Manor Park on August 31.