A memorable opening partnership helped Acle make it back-to-back wins in the Premier Division of the Norfolk Alliance on Saturday.

Geoff Handley and Jas Cheema put on an impressive 172 as Josh Rowe’s side followed up their timely home win over Horsford A by travelling to one-time leaders Garboldisham and coming away with a 24 run success.

Having won their opening two fixtures following promotion to the top flight, and then losing their next five, Acle now look to be firmly back on track and will be aiming to prove the point when they travel to the division’s bottom side Sprowston tomorrow (1pm start).

Handley and overseas star Cheema were quickly in their stride at the weekend and by the time they had finished the visitors were firmly in command.

Cheema went on to make 117 in 132 balls, with 14 fours and two sixes, while his partner contributed 82 in 84 balls, with 13 fours and two sixes. Acle’s next highest scorer was Craig Press with 31.

The openers’ efforts helped Acle get up to 272-8 in their 50 overs and the challenge then was to follow up the good work with the ball.

Garboldisham’s batsmen certainly didn’t make it easy for them but with Shaun Roberts taking 4-62 in his 10 overs they were eventually dismissed for 248.

Joe Flatt also made an important contribution, taking 3-29 from his full allocation, while Rowe weighed in with a couple of wickets.

Acle A were unable to make it a double as they lost by six wickets to leaders Great Melton in Division Three.

The hosts posted a solid total of 200-8 in their 45 overs but it was not quite enough as Melton overhauled their target in the penultimate over.

The seconds are at home again tomorrow, with Sprowston A providing the opposition.