Sudbury maintained their healthy 21-point lead at the top of the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier League, thanks to a remarkable ninth win from 10 matches at the expense of visiting Horsford on Saturday.

Sudbury captain Tom Huggins led by example, with the ball and then the bat, as the Friars Street club recorded a comfortable victory by six wickets.

Huggins had won the toss and elected to field first, and once again the league leaders impressed with the ball and in the field as Horsford were skittled out for just 117 in the 54th over.

Opening bowlers James Poulson (11-1-22-3) and Jonathan Gallagher (8-0-30-1) inflicted the early damage, before pace-man Dustin Melton (17.3-3-27-4) and spinner Huggins (18-8-25-3) turned the screw.

Sudbury reached their target for the loss of just four wickets, off just 28.2 overs, with former Suffolk captain Huggins striking an unbeaten 74 at the top of the order.

Huggins and Suffolk county captain Adam Mansfield (22) shared an opening partnership of 57 in rapid time, to take the match by the scruff of the neck.

Chris Brown did take three for 46, but Huggins saw the hosts home, striking a six and nine fours in his 78-ball innings.

Darren Batch, Sudbury’s overall club captain, explained: “Happily, it was the same old story for us, especially with the ball.

“James (Poulson) took the first two wickets, and Jonathan Gallagher then got the big wicket of Stephan Marillier (5) to leave them on 11 for three. Dustin (Melton) and Tom (Huggins) ran through their middle and lower order.

“It was a fresh pitch, but the wicket was fine, although it took some spin early on in the game.

“But I don’t think Horsford bowled very well with the new ball. They bowled too many short balls, so Tom (Huggins) and Adam (Mansfield) were able to get off to a flyer. They put on 57 in 11 overs, and after that Tom hung around to see us home. He is in great form at the moment.

“Chris Brown bowled very well for them, and at least made us work for the win,” added Batch.

Sudbury are now looking forward to their biggest match of the season this Saturday, away at defending champions and rival title contenders Swardeston.