Hethersett and Tas Valley kept their promotion hopes alive with a hard earned four wicket victory over Norfolk Alliance Division Two bottom club Brooke A.

Valley knew only victory would keep them in the hunt in a division that seems to be opening up into a three horse race thanks to second placed Beccles' win against leaders Topcroft.

Valley stay in third place 21 points behind Topcroft and 18 behind Beccles. Victory this weekend at Swaffham would set-up what could be a promotion decider the following weekend with Valley playing host to the Waveney Valley side.

Rain at one point threatened to thwart Valley but, after a lengthy delay which included taking an early tea, the sun came out and the match resumed with Brooke on a healthy 128-3.

The visitors made 227-7 with Jonathan Andrews hitting 108. Valley spinner Indika Nanayakkara was the pick of the home bowlers with figures of 4-52.

Hethersett started off at a rapid pace with Ian Bryce and Robbie Matthews putting on 18 in the first two overs before Bryce fell and the Hethersett innings faltered slightly. Dave Cosford started cautiously but then opened up to hit a splendid 88. Matthews scored a solid 56 as Valley reached their target with 230-6 with 15 balls to go.

Valley Seconds banished any lingering relegation worries in Division Four as they beat bottom placed Mundford by 13 runs in a 20 over match agreed by both teams after a lengthy rain delay. Valley hit 119-5 with Jonathon Cooper contributing an unbeaten 31. Mundford were then restricted to 106-7 with Cooper taking 2-5, Tom Worley 2-12 and Leigh King 2-13. On Saturday Valley Seconds are home to Rocklands.

Valley Thirds beat near neighbours Ketteringham Hall by two wickets. Ketteringham Hall were bowled out for 191 in 43.3 overs with Al Watts taking 5-32. Valley replied with 194-8 with John Brandon-Street scoring 45 and Ollie Kilbourn 60. Together they put on 101 to set a new third team fifth wicket partnership record. This weekend the thirds visit Rocklands.

Hethersett Over-40s beat Topcroft by seven wickets to win their group and progress to finals day at Flordon on Sunday, September 3 when Valley will be bidding to become county champions. The competition will feature two semi-finals, a final and a third/fourth place play-off.