Fakenham fell just short of victory against Downham Town on Saturday – but remain on course to succeed them as Norfolk Alliance Premier Division champions.

Overseas star Chad Bowes was again in top form, making 97 as the leaders reached 272 for the loss of only four wickets. Unfortunately for Fakenham their visitors also had an in-form professional in their ranks, with young New Zealander Nick Kelly holding the reply together with a brilliant 144 as Downham finished on 220-8 in reply.

An 18-point haul was enough to maintain a 33-point lead with just four games left to play as closest challengers Sprowston suffered an even more frustrating afternoon by drawing against Swardeston A.

Fakenham will aim to take a step closer to the title on Saturday when they welcome Diss while Division One Dereham – who picked up a losing draw at Topcroft at the weekend – host North Runcton.