Old Buckenham's disappointing run in the Premier Division of the Norfolk Alliance continued on Saturday when they were beaten at Cromer.

The Bucks, who were leading the way not so long ago, have now lost four of their previous five games - with the other one being abandoned - and have now dropped into mid-table.

To be fair they gave a decent account of themselves in a tight game at the Norton Warnes Ground before going down by two wickets.

Old Buckenham posted a solid total of 226-8 in a 45 over match, thanks largely to Rob Thurley's unbeaten 92 and support knocks in the 40s from Glen Meredith and Andrew Lawrence.

Cromer had just seven deliveries to spare when they finally got home with eight down, the platform having been set by an opening partnership of 55 between Frankie Sutton (31) and top scorer Matthew Warnes (38).

The Bucks will be looking to get back to winning ways on Saturday when they travel to the home of Norfolk cricket to take on Horsford A (1pm start).

North Runcton remain in with an outside title chance 40 points behind leaders Downham, who beat Garboldisham by seven wickets on Saturday, following an eight wicket win over a Sprowston side who appear doomed to the drop.

Chasing 130-7 in 35 overs was no problem for the hosts, with Norfolk player Ben Coote following his 2-11 off seven overs with 60 off 39 balls.

Fakenham remain deep in relegation trouble following a 46-run home defeat at the hands of Acle, who made 201 and then bowled their hosts out for 155.

Stradbroke drew with Liverpool University Staff as the fifth annual match between the teams as St John's College, Cambridge went to the last ball.

LUS posted 173 for eight between the showers, never dominating but steadily gaining ascendancy. Marcus Marvell then starred with a cultured 79 and had he stayed victory would have been a formality. But the ever-probing Rob Houghton (5-43) balanced the game up and at 168 for six as the last over commenced, all four results were possible.

Two wickets tipped the game back and Gilbee then ran himself out trying to complete a second run, leaving a boundary required. The last pair could only scramble a leg bye as Stradbroke finished on 171 for 9.