ACLE, second in Norfolk Cricket Alliance Division One, failed to take advantage of the leader’s, Old Buckenham, shock 40-run defeat at bottom side Saxlingham as they lost by one wicket at home to Hales & Loddon.

Peter Nobbs made 65 not out for Acle in their 182 for eight, but Hales, 183 for nine, edged their way to an exciting victory. Acle trail Old Buckenham by six points and are 44 points ahead of third-placed Swardeston.

In Division Three, third-placed Acle A, in a losing draw, made 193 for five to leaders Great Melton’s 274 for one, Richard Wood (112 not out) and David Allum (102 not out) setting up the big home total.

In Division Five, Winterton are third on the same number of points, 179, as Rocklands – both sides just two points behind new leaders Great Melton A. Winterton (169 for two) took 21 points as Rocklands (168 for six) claimed just four. Geoff Roper, 104 not out, hit Winterton’s first Alliance century.

In fifth place are Halvergate, who won by eight wickets at Diss A, helped by Kevin Millington’s five for 25. Steven Clarke made 53 not out of the Hares’ 107 for two, Diss having made 104.

In Norfolk League Division One, Rollesby (84 for nought) remain top after crushing Shipdham (83) by 10 wickets.

Great Yarmouth are fourth. They made 134 for seven (seven points) to home side Drayton’s 180 for nine (23).

Caister, one place lower, won at Cringleford Lodge. They made 143 for eight to Lodge’s 142 to claim 24 points.

In Division Two, mid-table Belton (207 for eight) lost to Norwich Bystanders (210 for five).

Division Three leaders Martham (306 for seven) won against visitors Cringleford Lodge A (122).

Second-bottom Great Yarmouth A (155 for nine) held their nerve to win by one wicket at home to Drayton A (154). Adam Cory took three for 21 and Mark Thompson hit a vital 69.

In Division Four, third-placed Winterton A (187) won at N&C Wanderers B (154) while in Division Five second-placed Blundeston (123 for five) won at Old Buckenham B (122).

Rollesby A made 140 after home side Felthorpe made 211 for seven to win in Division Six. In Division Seven, Acle B could muster only 57 at Reepham & Salle (259 for two).

In Division Eight, Blundeston A made 131 for nine for 23 points against Gillingham’s 69 for nine while Martham A made 171 for nine at Garboldisham C (204).