Fabulous Fakenham clinch Norfolk Alliance Premier Division crown

Fakenham secured a 11th straight victory to clinch the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division on the final day of a thrilling season.

A 23-run victory over Brooke at Highfield Lawn completed a magnificent turn around for Fakenham who found themselves 65 points behind nearest rivals Downham at the halfway stage of the season.

Even more incredible is that Fakenham only just avoided relegation last season with the very last ball of the campaign.

Fakenham recovered from 35 for 3 to post 216 for 6 from their 50 overs.

A fourth-wicket stand of 139 between Luke Caswell (70) and Will Dunger (76) laid the foundations for a competitive total as the champions-elect overcame their early nerves.

In the field, a four-wicket burst from Ash Layer (4-36) made sure there was no slip up as Brooke lost their last seven wickets for just 32 runs.

Second-placed Downham, who needed Fakenham to lose, also won on the final day of the campaign with a four-wicket success against Garboldisham at the Memorial Field.