They posted 176-9, and their sharpness in the field – running out three Duffield batsmen – ensured that the hosts stayed on the wrong side of the draw, although it was perilously close, with Duffield closing on 169-9.

Ian Naylor’s 72 and Ben Goodall’s 62 helped South Wingfield firsts post 203-8 against leaders Clay Cross.

Paul Spencer then ripped through the Cross batting order, taking 6-29 as the top team crumbled to 139 all out.

Ambergate firsts needed just 120 to wrap victory over Denby seconds.

Phil Mason’s 4-21 had helped stifle Denby on 117-9, while Tom Holmes top scored with 43 for Ambergate en route to victory by three wickets.

In Division Three North, Andrew Redfern’s knock of 69 helped Ashover firsts to a two-wicket win over Ilkeston Rutland seconds.

Kevin Godfrey had earlier taken 3-53 for Ashover as Ilkeston closed on 197-9.

In Division Four North, South Wingfield seconds held out for a draw.

Chasing 277 to beat Heanor Town seconds, Andy Thompson’s 46 was the highlight of Wingfield’s 194-8.

Liam Martin took 4-61 for Cromford Meadows firsts as they limited Clay Cross seconds to 165-8, but the hosts couldn’t get close to that total and were 106-7 by the close.

In Division Five North, leaders Ambergate seconds reduced visiting Clowne Town seconds to 79 all out, with skipper David Charlton taking 5-31 at the Hurt Arms Ground.

Four Ambergate men fell as they batted their way to a simple win, aided in the largest part by Guy Hodgkinson’s 37 not out.

Lee Rhodes turned in a stunning bowling performance of 7-46 for Ashover seconds as they defeated Butterley United firsts.

Butterley were all out for 170, Dayle White (55) and Adam Pike (50 not out) helped ensure Ashover could add a seven-wicket win to their season’s tally.

In Division Seven North, Sean Beastall’s 55 was the top score for Cromford Meadows seconds, but they were dismissed for 133 by Alfreton fourths.

Beastall also took a wicket, as did Vinnie McLean (2-29), but that was as much success as Cromford had with the ball and they lost by seven wickets.

Ian Penman scored 74 for Ambergate thirds as they defeated Clowne Town thirds by 67 runs, with Luke Penman claiming five Clowne wickets for the loss of just 18 runs.