Clifton 64 all out (three points) lost to Matlock 65-6 (22 points) by four wickets.

With the usual unavailable players, and some walking wounded, Matlock travelled to Clifton hoping to drag the hosts back into the relegation mix, and thanks to a spell of devastating bowling, they dismissed the hosts for only 64 runs.

That it took Matlock 20 overs and six nerve jangling wickets to seal victory says much for the state of mind at the moment in a division where the bottom five teams all won.

With extravagant seam movement and some bounce Mandla Mashimbyi was almost unplayable, and again ably supported by the impressive Adam Burton they tore into and through Clifton, with only Moore reaching double figures.

Great catches were held and run outs executed as Matlock had an almost perfect day in the field.

Now for the difficult bit. Matlock had made a pig’s ear of chasing low scores already this season and a visit to the shrink’s chair would be on the agenda should they fail again, and boy, did they make hard work of it!

Moore’s four wickets ensured plenty of gnawed fingernails and roll-ups were passed round to people who didn`t even smoke before the game, but slowly, and amidst general unease, the hallowed figure of 65 was reached, with Jonathan Stapleton rock steady.

An early finish, 22 points, and all to panic for during the last three games!