Long Sutton lost ground in the race for the Rutland and District League Division Two title after suffering a narrow 17-run defeat against leaders Werrington on Sunday.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Werrington were all out for 211 in 39.5 overs in the clash of two high-fliers at Campbell Drive.
Skipper Calvin Bird made 69 in Sutton’s reply, but they slipped to 194 all out in 44.1 overs and are now 30 points off the pace in third place.
Sutton, though, will be disappointed that they didn’t pick up what would have been a huge win after having their hosts in dire straits at 94-8.
Indeed, it was only a 103-run stand for the ninth wicket that propelled Werrington to a strong score as Rashid Zafar (68) and Hassan Amir (60) shone.
Daniel Plant (3-43), Dan Oldfield (2-36) and Jake Burton (2-23) were Sutton’s star turns with the ball, while Charlie Crisp (1-68) and Joe Whitaker (1-35) also chipped in.
The Sutton run chase was spearheaded by Bird, who hit eight fours in his 83-ball knock of 69.
Jack Baker (37) and Crisp (21) also scored nicely, but Sutton ultimately came up short and had to settle for eight match points.
In Division Three, a fine batting performance saw Spalding defeat hosts Uffington by 22 runs.
Put into bat after losing the toss, Town racked up 248-7 with Jon Manton (94), Brandon Andrews (44), Harry Birch (36) and Barnaby Dring (26) all scoring well.
Manton was unfortunate to be run out six runs shy of making a century.
Uffington scored well in reply with Ivan Wilson (65 not out), James Saralis (49) and Tim Pratt (48 not out) all on-song, but they closed on 226-5 with Andrews (2-32) the pick of the Town bowlers.
Town’s second win of the season sees them stay seventh.
Down in Division Four East, Moulton Harrox picked up a 69-run victory at Newborough 2nd.The home side won the toss and inserted Moulton into bat, which allowed them to post 189-8.
Skipper Chris Beale top scored with 56, while wicket-keeper Rob Callaby (32 not out) and opener Mike Kearns Snr (31) also made strong contributions.
Newborough were all out for 120 in reply as Paul Bullock (3-10) and Henry Duce (2-21) starred with the ball.
Also in Division Four East, Long Sutton 2nd suffered a 166-run defeat against Orton Park at Paradise Field.
Jairus Charles (96) and Tom Wilkin (80) scored heavily as the visitors posted 253-5 batting first, with Rob Simpson taking 2-31.
Ryan Linney then took 4-22 as Sutton were skittled for 87 (20 overs) in reply.
Only Jeremy Smith (24) and Simpson (15) managed double figures in the innings, which was brought to an end in 20 overs.
Moulton and Long Sutton 2nd remain in fourth and sixth places respectively after their games.
This Sunday sees Long Sutton make the trip to basement side Stamford Town, while Spalding are at home to Kimbolton.
Harrox visit Castor and Ailsworth, while Sutton 2nd host rock-bottom Newborough 2nd (all 12.30pm).
