Hales and Loddon CC president Sir Nicholas Bacon maintained his strong record in his annual fixture against the club thanks to a twist in the tale.

Set a target of 117 to win, H&L were inching towards victory but they lost their last three wickets in as many balls to agonisingly end up five runs adrift.

Skipper Isaac Rolph (30) and all-rounder Jack Cook (31) had laid the foundations for victory in the 30 overs per side encounter but an excellent spell of spin bowling by Matthew Plummer, who took 3 for 10 from his three overs, sparked a thrilling President’s XI comeback.

Will Yates (23) looked set to apply the finishing touches but when he was stumped for 23 by Sir Nicholas off the bowling of wily veteran Milton Lindsay the complexion of the game changed quickly. The President’s XI total featured significant contributions from Sir Nicholas (19), Milton Lindsay (18), Richard Dicks (25) and Dave Redford (14).

Ashby entertained Drayton in their latest match and recorded a 33 run victory.

Taking first knock, Ashby posted a very competitive total despite a mid innings collapse, finally being dismissed for 190.

Ian Thurbon made his first 50 of the season (54 not out), Nick Reeve 23, Paul Thurbon 19 and Rob Beaumont 15.

Drayton made a terrible start, both openers being dismissed for without scoring, and they lost two more wickets to slump to 9-4.

The middle order then restored some respectability to the score but Drayton were all out for 157. Wickets were taken by Ian Thurbon (2), Paul Thurbon, Jackman, Reeve, Solomon, Tidswell and Bunn while there were two run outs.

On Sunday Ashby are at home to Aylsham St Giles (1pm).

The Mid Norfolk Sunday League’s finals day took place at Sprowston on a glorious Bank Holiday Monday, with Barney and Martham lifting the trophies.

Barney saw off a youthful Acle side by 10 wickets to win the Challenge Cup while Martham beat newcomers Beeston by six wickets to lift the Broke Cup.

The Norfolk Alliance player of the month for August was Alex Sayer from Martham.

His performances of 128, 60, 67 and 4-36 helped Martham to maintain their position at the top of Division Three and subsequently went on to win the title, with Bungay finishing a respectable third.