Rocklands kept up their impressive league form with a nine-wicket victory over Garboldisham A in Division Four of the Lucas Fettes Norfolk Cricket League.

Rocklands kept up their impressive league form with a nine-wicket victory over Garboldisham A in Division Four of the Lucas Fettes Norfolk Cricket League.

Batting first, Garboldisham made a strong start and Rocklands had to wait until the 25th over for their first breakthrough.

However, Garboldisham continued to press on and Robert Leech (83) and Lee (50) were making Rocklands pay for any loose deliveries served up.

Richard Smith bowled well and got some occasional turn and bounce, but it was left to Steve Carr to return in his second spell and take three wickets towards the end of the innings to finish with figures of 3-58. By the end of their 45 overs, Garboldisham had amassed 228 for the loss of five wickets.

Opening the Rocklands innings, Merv Mann (18) and Les Abel put on 125 for the first wicket. Abel was striking the ball well and put all the Garboldisham bowlers to the sword.

He passed his century in the 35th over with another cracking boundary and Rocklands were down to needing 80 from their last 10 overs.

By this point Will Defoe (55 not out) had joined Abel and the pair continued to put the Garboldisham bowlers and fielders under pressure.

The game was heading for another tight finish and there was talk of a repeat of the tie these two teams shared last year. However, the batsmen forged on, with Defoe hitting the winning runs with eight balls to spare.

The day belonged to Abel, though, who finished undefeated on 131 - a fine innings that deservedly led to him being presented with the Rocklands cap for his match-winning performance.