Priory win again to stay top

The 161-run thrashing of Chichester Priory Park maintained a 15-point cushion over a Preston Nomads side which scraped past Three Bridges by one wicket.

Matt Machan (61) led Priory to 241 all out batting first at Horntye Park, and was well supported by Harry Finch (42), John Morgan (37) and Andy Cornford (31).

Chichester slumped to 80 all out in reply with Joynal Ahmed picking up four wickets for the second week running. Josh Poysden and Mick Glazier took two apiece.

Bexhill achieved their third victory of the season in Division Two – and completed the double over bottom club Stirlands – with a three-wicket win in Birdham.

Chris Topp claimed 3-54 as Stirlands were restricted to 184-8 batting first and young talent Shawn Johnson top-scored with 55 as Bexhill got home seven wickets down.

Sidley went top of Division Three (East) for the fourth time this season after winning by three wickets at home to fellow high-flyers Burgess Hill.

Chris Deeprose bagged 6-23 to bowl Hill out for 114 and Sidley reached their target seven down. Previous leaders Hellingly were skittled for 37 by Keymer & Hassocks.

In the same division, Crowhurst Park lost by 14 runs to Uckfield Anderida. Paul Brookes top-scored with 82 as Park were bowled out for 206 in reply to 220-5.

Full reports on each of these games will appear in Friday’s Observers.

Standings (played 10 matches unless stated) – Premier Division: 1 HASTINGS PRIORY 243pts, 2 Preston Nomads 228, 3 Horsham (11) 213, 4 East Grinstead 197, 5 Brighton & Hove (11) 164, 6 Roffey (11) 162, 7 Three Bridges 130, 8 Chichester Priory Park (11) 127, 9 Eastbourne 119, 10 Pulborough (11) 113.

Division 2: 1 Worthing 258, 2 Cuckfield 189, 3 Haywards Heath (9) 188, 4 St James’s Montefiore 172, 5 Glynde & Beddingham (9) 170, 6 Goring By Sea 160, 7 BEXHILL 158, 8 Ifield 124, 9 Lewes Priory 102, 10 Stirlands 99.

Division 3 (East): 1 SIDLEY 208, 2 Hellingly 189, 3 Seaford (9) 187, 4 Burgess Hill 175, 5 Lindfield (9) 162, 6 Ansty (9) 150, 7 Uckfield Anderida (9) 149, 8 Crowhurst Park (9) 146, 9 Keymer & Hassocks 132, 10 Crawley (9) 112.