Eastgate Cross Keys lifted themselves into second place in the table after they beat Wolsingham Teachers, who were below full strength.

The Keys got away to a great start with both Ian McDonald and Alan breeze making 25 each.

They were followed by Graham Dalton with 30. A minor batting collapse followed but the Keys were rescued with a late 22 not out from Colin Perry and 13 not out from Colin Hope as they reached 146.

The teachers got away to a good start and reached 41 before the first wicket fell.

Graeme Dalton made 25 and Tom Bailey 12 as openers and Willy Bell came in to add 16 before the second wicket fell at 50.

However from that point the batting collapsed and the overs ran out with the score on 85.

Wolsingham All Stars strengthened their challenge for a place in the semi-finals when they beat Wolsingham Mill Race, the holders.

The Stars batting was boosted by Michael Watson's 28 and Kevin Walker's 27 with James Everitt adding a useful 15 not out near the end to take their score to 115 when the overs ran out.

The Mill Race only managed three players in double figures when Steve Campbell made 25, Richie Hanlon 26 and James Coxon 13 as they were dismissed for 91.

The bottom of the table clash between Tow Law All Stars and Stanhope Grey Bull produced a low scoring but enthralling encounter.

The Stars batted first but only managed to get Lee Furber with 26 and Michael Telford with 17 into double figures as they were dismissed for 57.

The Bull looked to be struggling in the early part of their innings when they lost some cheap wickets. However Adam Croker settled the side and then Edward Hepple and Ian Smith saw then through to their first victory with 64 on the board with six overs to spare.

With each team having two matches left and the top four from the league table qualifying for the semi-finals, Wolsingham Club lead the table by five points from Eastgate Cross Keys, who are one ahead of Wolsingham All Stars and Wolsingham Mill Race, with Wolsingham Teachers a further point behind.