Cuckfield work their way backto winning ways at Saint Hill

New opening pair Greg Wisdom and the experienced Chris Mole had mixed fortunes of their own, Mole departing early but Wisdom showing great maturity under heavy pressure to see off the new ball with a patient 16.

A run-a-ball 34 from Jason Oates helped boost the total and there was an excellent effort from the returning James Thorpe as he held the tail together with 25.

Young Kurtis Browning bowled superbly to claim three big wickets when Grinstead replied and it was fortunate for them that he could bowl only seven overs under ECB regulations.

At the other end Nick Patterson also started to find some movement and he bagged four wickets as the hosts were bowled out for 97.

Cuckfield are second to champions Preston Nomads, who improved their position at the top by putting in visitors Horsham and rushing them out for 83 in the 38th over. Kashif Ibrahim took 4-18 in 13 and Carl Simon 4-36.

Chichester made it two wins in a row with a three-wicket success at Hastings, while Brighton & Hove made it two wins this season as they easily accounted for Three Bridges. Sussex pair Chris Liddle (125, inc 5x6s) and Michael Rippon (73) helped set up a 193-run victory that was completed by Matt Wood (6-46).

Roffey moved off the bottom with a dramatic last ball victory over visitors Worthing. Dan Smith hit a six and two off the last two deliveries after team-mate Rohit Jagota had taken 7-58.

In Division 2 St James’s completed their second win as they defeated lowly Pulborough by 54 runs. Openers Michael Murray (47) and Sam Chettleburgh (69) put on 124 and Henry Sims added 54 not out.