With fifth being the lowest position any team can occupy on the final day of this campaign if they hope to play in the restructured Division Two next season, the battle to secure it is getting tighter.

Seventh-placed South Wingfield firsts played themselves into contention with a home win over sixth-placed Darley Dale firsts.

Heshan Tillakaratne struck three figures once again, scoring 109, while Neil Fennah chipped in with 51 as Darley posted 205 all out.

That had taken just over 35 overs, and Wingfield dragged out their added allocation to crawl over the finishing line with just one wicket left intact.

Ian Naylor top scored for Wingfield with 73, while Darley’s Craig Elliott took four wickets for the loss of 56 runs.

Fifth-placed Ambergate could not put any more significant daylight between themselves, Darley and Wingfield, as they were beaten by second-placed Belper Meadows.

All out for 109, Ambergate’s Phil Mason took 3-20 as he and his fellow bowlers made life uncomfortable for Meadows, who lost six wickets on their way to victory.

Ambergate remain 14 points ahead of Darley, with Wingfield a further eight points behind.

The other team in the running, Quarndon seconds, are just three points shy of Wingfield after they pulled off a stunning six-wicket victory over leaders Clay Cross.

With Darley hosting Ambergate this Saturday, more twists and turns are inevitable.

Ashover’s progress in Division Three North remains consistent.

Only unbeaten leaders Heanor Town have lost fewer games than Ashover in the division – although draw specialists Morton Colliery have also lost just the once – and Ashover’s win over Clowne Town was comfortable enough.

Skipper Andrew Walker led the way, scoring more than half the 133 runs needed to surpass Clowne’s total.