Bradenham took the derby honours at Mattishall to go 25 points clear at the top of the Lovewell Blake Norfolk Alliance Division One with their fourth win in as many games.

Bradenham took the derby honours at Mattishall to go 25 points clear at the top of the Lovewell Blake Norfolk Alliance Division One with their fourth win in as many games. On Saturday (1.30pm) they entertain a Beccles outfit bottom after four defeats.

Bradenham lost the toss on what looked like a good batting track and it was no surprise when Mattishall decided to bat first.

However, the decision looked like a dubious one when Mark Cator removed Gosling for two and Tianne Mostert clean bowled both Lockwood and New Zealander Colson to leave Mattishall struggling at 37-3 in the 12th over.

A recovery took place, with Stoltz and Cole taking the initiative, Stoltz in particular using the small boundaries, to his advantage. Eventually Brett Gates trapped Stoltz leg before for 46 but by now the advantage was with Mattishall, who were well placed on 120-4 with 20 overs still remaining.

However, Bradenham's attack stuck to their task and never really let the home side run away with things. Wickets fell regularly as Cole looked for support, but he found nobody prepared to stay with him.

Cole eventually fell for a chancy 96 in the final over as Mattishall closed on 218-7. Bradenham were left to reflect on five dropped catches and a missed stumping but were still confident of overhauling the target.

Bradenham started their reply cautiously against a good first 10 overs from Beaumont and Fordham. In the 10th over, Fordham had Findlay caught at second slip to leave Bradenham on 17-1.

However the introduction of Colson gave some respite to the visitors as a three-over spell proved expensive, with 25 runs coming.

Thurley fell for a patient 23 with the score at 52, and then Dewing (24) and Taylor (18) ably supported Mostert in taking the total to 131-4 in the 31st over. Ryan Findlay joined Mostert and the fourth partnership of 40 or more ensued as Bradenham progressed to 173.

The re-introduction of Beaumont raised the home side's hopes as Mostert played on for a useful 66, but he was replaced by Mark Cator and he and Findlay put on a crucial 37-run partnership to take Bradenham to the brink of victory. Findlay fell leg before with just two required for a cultured 23, and it was fitting that Cator hit the winning boundary to finish on 25 not out.

The defeat leaves Mattishall second bottom with one win from their first four games.