Sussex League: Hastings romped to an extraordinary ten-wicket win over Steyning to open a 27-point lead at the top of the premier division.

The battle of the top two turned into anti-climax as Steyning were skittled for 78 and Hastings, the champions, surged to victory in just nine overs.

Paceman John Morgan took 6-23 and Andy Cornford 3-21 as the visitors were skittled for 78 in 22.3 overs. New Zealander Mark Fraser was Steyning's top scorer with 23.

Sussex all-rounder Mike Yardy (55 not out) then took charge as Hastings cruised home at 81-0 from just 9.3 overs.

Mark Vermuelen, released from the Zimbabwe touring side last week for disciplinary reasons, made an unbeaten century in his first game for East Grinstead and helped them to an eight-wicket win at home to Worthing.

The visitors set a challenging target of 243-8 declared, with Michael Quinn hitting 87 not out and Dominic Clapp 45. Paul Turk was the pick of the home bowlers with 3-70.

Paul Harrison (81) showed aggressive intent from the start but Vermuelen clinched victory at 244-2 with 113 not out, although he was dropped first ball off Clapp.

Chichester have moved above Steyning despite losing at home to Three Bridges by four wickets. A total of 173 all out never looked sufficient despite the efforts of Simon Forsyth (65), John Edwards (28) and Jez Goode (26). For Bridges, Adrian Chapple took 4-49 and Danny Alderman 3-26.

Jibran Khan then cracked 84 not out, despite wickets falling around him, and with 37 from skipper Alderman, Bridges clinched their second win of the season at 174-6. Nick Dyer and James Stedman both took two wickets for the home side.

Sussex player Bas Zuiderent returned from the Twenty20 game at Southampton to hit 99 for Brighton and Hove in their total of 257-5 declared in 49 overs at home to Stirlands.

Stephen Ades made 83 and Martin Adams 34 as David Briance took 4-65 for the visitors.

Andy Sartor, currently in sparkling form with the ball, grabbed 5-38, Ades 3-44 and Damon Preo 2-55 as Stirlands were dismissed for 165.

Eastbourne crashed to a nine-wicket defeat in double-quick time against Horsham after struggling to 181-9 declared.

Jack Hepburn made 49 not out as Chris Nash took 3-52 with his off-spin.

Australian under-21 cap Michael Bright then crashed 119 not out in a Horsham winning score of 184-1 made from just 29 overs.