Martham recorded a comfortable 156 run victory over North Runcton A at the Recreation Ground to clinch promotion to Division Two of the Norfolk Alliance.

Runcton made the long round trip with only 10 players, and whilst being bottom of the league should be congratulated on their desire to fulfil their remaining fixtures.

After winning the toss, Martham elected to bat on the usual good wicket and in pleasant sunshine.

Finn Grist opened with Louis Smith, and by the time the latter had been dismissed for 29, Martham were 75-1.

Grist then put on 79 with Alex Sayer (27) and 50 with Lewis Dunn before falling for an excellent 110, a debut century for the club.

He has been in a fine run of form for a few weeks now, and a very popular century was greeted by warm applause by all.

Dunn (37), Joe Oakey (39 not out) and Louie Stronach (40) all contributed towards a daunting score of 292-6 while George Mean was the pick of the bowlers with 4-62.

Runcton’s reply was hard work throughout although Timothy Coote (48) and Peter Coote (50) tried hard to muster some respectability before their side were eventually all out for 136.

On a day when promotion was secured,

Martham tried 10 different bowlers, who all contributed to the cause.

It was a good day for this relatively young squad — with all concentration now on securing the title, starting with a trip to Swardeston B on Saturday (12.30pm).

Elsewhere in Division Three Acle A recorded an emphatic eight wicket win over Fakenham A after restricting them to 163-8 in their 45 overs. Peter Nobbs led the victory charge with 50 while Owen Gooch made 38 and Neil Moggan 37 not out.

It was a much tougher day for Winterton who were well beaten at Great Melton, the team who look likely to go up with Martham.

Ryan Edmonds scored 38 and Wesley Noble-Parker 33 as Winterton made a reasonable start but they they fell away and were all out for 125.

The home side knocked off the runs required with half their overs unused while losing just one wicket in thr process.

Winterton play host to Sprowston A on Saturday afternoon while Acle seconds host promotion-chasing Bungay.