Hethersett and Tas Valley's grandstand end to the season has guaranteed taking the promotion race in Division Two of the Norfolk Alliance to the last matches of the season this Saturday.

Third placed Valley knew that only victory over second placed Beccles would keep their hopes of going up alive.

Valley were put into bat and looked to be seriously struggling at 40-5 on a pitch made difficult by overnight rain.

A sixth wicket partnership of 63 between John Curtis (75) and Nick Burrett (28) steadied the ship and helped Valley to reach 168, with their last wicket falling with just three balls of their 45 overs remaining.

After a couple of breaks for showers, Beccles were soon in trouble, losing wickets at regular intervals and falling well behind the asking rate. Hethersett's fielding was excellent with youngster Jack Gibson pulling off a superb catch when he dived full length to take a ball that had appeared to have sailed over his left shoulder.

That was the inspiration Valley needed as they bowled the visitors outfit out for 107 in 39.2 overs with Curtis capping a fine all-round performance with 3-23 and Andy Harris taking 3- 27.

Now it's all likely to come down to mathematics. Valley took 23 points from the win with the visitors taking six — a haul that keeps them in second place just three points ahead of Valley. On Saturday Hethersett visit Great Witchingham A while Beccles are home to Downham A.

Hethersett Thirds had a good 122 run win at home to Reepham and Salle.

Hethersett hit 254-6 with Luke Matthews smashing an unbeaten 135. They then restricted Reepham to 132-9. This weekend they visit New Buckenham.

Hethersett Fourths went down to Garboldisham B by four wickets despite scoring 195-9 with Mark Worley hitting 64 and Sam Woodruff 51. The home side reached their target with 196-6 in 39.1 overs with Henry Worley taking 3-24. This weekend they are home to Rackheath.

Valley Seconds were without a game in Norfolk Alliance Division Four on Saturday and this weekend are at home to Beccles A in their final fixture.

On Sunday Hethersett gained revenge for an early season defeat by beating neighbours Great Melton in the Mid Norfolk Sunday League.