Newick shocked leaders Fletching to leave the East Sussex League title and relegation issues wide open with three matches to play.

Chris Murphy claimed a remarkable four wickets in four balls to wrap up a 110-run success for Newick at home to previously unbeaten Fletching.

This allowed Crowhurst Park, one wicket winners against Chiddingly, to go top. A draw between Heathfield Park and Ditchling means just 32 points separates five teams in the battle to avoid the second relegation spot alongside Wadhurst.

Newick skipper David Hutchinson said: "We won our first three games but then fell apart in the middle. It all came down to not scoring enough runs.

"It is fundamentally the same side that finished fourth last year. In fact, I think we have a better side than last year and we will only have ourselves to blame if we end up getting relegated.

"But I am pretty confident if the boys play like they did on Saturday we will be okay."

In sweltering conditions, Hutchinson had no hesitation batting first and his side amassed a useful 218-6 with significant contributions from Sam Carter (83) and Murphy (38). Terry Lucas was the pick of the Fletching bowling with 4-65.

In reply, opener Mark Horscroft (31), who had earlier suffered a knee injury, bravely set about the run chase and with support from his brother Grant (35) the Newick total seemed in reach. However, a hostile spell from Greg Bell (3-13) accounted for the middle order before Murphy mopped up the tail with four wickets in four balls, two caught and two clean bowled.

While Newick were claiming maximum points, Heathfield and Ditchling shared a spirited draw.

Heathfield skipper Ian Cox struck a splendid 104, including 16 fours, as his side made 240-3 declared. He shared a third wicket stand of 154 with Steve Oakes (70 not out), while Scott Pearce was unbeaten on 35 at the close.

Ditchling had a crack at the target but eventually closed on 203-9 with contributions from Johnny Coburn (79) and Ollie Burns (40) as Simon Briggs claimed 5-62.

Ditchling skipper Patrick Nolan said: "We carried on going for it and we continued to do so until our penultimate wicket fell. We have always tried to win games wherever possible which is where we have come unstuck. Hopefully, that policy will see us through.

"From our last three games I think we will need to win two of them."

Glynde have been sucked into trouble following their latest defeat away to DPB (Eastbourne). James Bentley hit 51 as DPB made 191-9, Dominic Shepheard taking 3-44. Bentley was then the pick of the bowlers with 5-45 as Glynde were dismissed for 108.

Chiddingly are not out of trouble although skipper Tom Carr could not have asked for more from his side as they lost a thrilling game against Crowhurst Park which produced almost 600 runs.

Chiddingly made 288-8 with contributions from Carr (48), John Grieveson (39) and Martin Hole (35) as Victor Walcott (4-88) caused problems.

Park lost two quick wickets in reply and looked out of it 214-8 as Carr (4-90), Hole (3-106) and a plague of flying ants left them struggling. However, Walcott (94 not out) found an unlikely partner in Richard Coleman (36) to lead them to the brink of victory with a ninth wicket stand of 66 and Walcott then smashed the penultimate ball of the match for a four to clinch the win.

Wadhurst were formally relegated after an eight-wicket defeat at home to Ringmer. Dick Holland was the only batsman to offer any real resistance as Wadhurst were dismissed for 139, with Graham Pitts and Murray Barnett sharing six wickets. Then Neil Thornicroft (65) and Richard Thomas (36 not out) guided Ringmer to a comfortable victory.

Meanwhile, Ringmer have lost their appeal against a points deduction following comments made to a departing batsman in a match with Fletching. Colin Coddington's one-match suspension also stands but Barnett's ban has been lifted.