Despite claiming their 10th win of the campaign in the Premier Division, Priory lost ground on leaders Preston Nomads to lie 27 points adrift going into the final weekend.

Nomads need just four points from their home game with third-placed Eastbourne - who sit a point behind Priory - to be crowned champions.

Basically, if Nomads bat first and make 150 or more they will have done enough to finally end the challenge of Priory who just about kept their hopes alive with a five wicket win at bottom-of-the-table Stirlands.

The home side had set a challenging 258-6 in which skipper and dangerman Sean Heather made 147 not out. The most successful bowlers were Tim van Noort (3-62) and Jason Finch (2-47).

In reply, George Campbell hit an undefeated 109 and Chris Morris made 111 to steer Priory to 261-5 from 46.5 overs.

Priory - who conclude their season at home to East Grinstead - claimed only 22 points but Nomads gained the maximum after brushing aside Chichester Priory Park by eight wickets. Eastbourne also took the full 30 points following their comfortable win over Horsham.

Bexhill's promotion hopes in Division Two came to an end after they went down by five wickets against Worthing.

The result means they cannot catch Lewes Priory and Haywards Heath who currently fill the top two places.

Rock bottom and already relegated Sidley suffered their 14th defeat of the summer after losing by 36 runs at the hands of Heath.