WATTON Cricket Club edged out local rivals Rocklands A CC in a top of the table clash in the Lewis Fettes Norfolk Cricket League Division Eight.Winning the toss, Watton elected to bat first aiming to take the advantage on an easy paced batting wicket.

WATTON Cricket Club edged out local rivals Rocklands A CC in a top of the table clash in the Lewis Fettes Norfolk Cricket League Division Eight.

Winning the toss, Watton elected to bat first aiming to take the advantage on an easy paced batting wicket. Their top order struggled against Rocklands' opening bowlers, runs were difficult to score and two run outs left Watton in trouble at 30 for 4 after 18 overs. Matty Webster (49 runs) held the innings together and built a platform for Watton's middle order stroke players to play some attacking shots.

Watton were eventually all out in the 45th and final over for a competitive 144 runs. Rocklands A opening bowler Paul Allen finishing with excellent figures of 5-26 from his 12 overs.

The Rocklands A innings began slowly mirroring Watton's first few overs, runs were difficult to score against accurate bowling and tight fielding. Opener bowler Malcolm Ranson bowled a great line and length conceding only 10 runs from his 12 overs.

Some strong middle order hitting brought Rocklands A within sight of victory, with 10 overs remaining they needed 41 runs with seven wickets in hand. But, Watton bowlers Richard Dicks (3-46) and Shaun Sayer (4-37) fought back holding their nerve to bowl Watton to victory by only 13 runs.

Defeat for Old Buckenham B this weekend means they slip from second to fourth in Division Eight. This victory moves Watton CC from third to second place behind leaders Rocklands A. With only two games remaining both Watton and Rocklands A appear strong favourites to gain promotion at the end of the season.