Struggling Burgess Hill slipped closer to the drop zone after an astonishing act of sportsmanship cost them the match against Arundel.

Hill made 140-9 against their third-placed hosts and appeared to have Arundel on the run when opener Joel Wiles was given out lbw with just 20 runs on the board.

But Hillians skipper Paul Edwards ignored the celebrations of left-arm bowler John Holmes to recall the batsman because he had edged the ball.

Wiles, who was in single figures at the time, went on to make 68 and steer his side to victory on 144-3.

Edwards played down the decision. He said: "That's the way we play cricket. Arundel thanked me afterwards but I'd rather they hadn't.

"Wiles was given out lbw but I called him back. I saw him edge it and everyone behind the stumps did too. The score in the match was irrelevant."

Arundel bowler Neil Chitty, who took 4-65, said: "It is not something you see these days because people copy what goes on in the first class game and on television.

"You have to credit Burgess Hill for their honesty. It probably was the turning point of the match but we put in a real team performance to win."

Pagham skipper Craig Primmer was stunned by Hillians' decision. His side are second above Arundel.

He said: "What's wrong with them. They'll be none of that against us. Bad decisions are part of the game and we have had plenty go against us this season. I've never heard of anyone doing that before."

Primmer wasn't too unhappy, though, as his side won by 55 runs at home to bottom side Eastergate.

Batting first, Pagham scored 208-7 with Dave Lever (57) and Mark Hoare (49) adding 80 for the fifth wicket after they slumped to 30-4. Colin Johnson (48 not out) and Tony Weedon saw Primmer's team to victory.

Pagham collected 30 points and are just 12 points behind leaders Findon who they entertain on Saturday.

Findon recorded their eighth win of the campaign at home to Ifield. The visitors were all out for 144 as off- spinner Toby Kingsbury took 5-32. Dale Rachow hit 61 and Graham Dean 46.

Findon were struggling on 30-4 before a fifth-wicket partnership of 70 between John Rogers (51) and John Cox (38) guided Findon to a four-wicket win. Rachow took 6-47.

Lindfield skipper Graham Page wants his side to push Arundel all the way for third spot.

His side are fourth following a seven-wicket win at Southwick. The lowly Wickers, who are one off the bottom, were dismissed for 91 by the visitors as Steve Dunkley claimed 8-15. Lindfield made 95-3 in reply with Page leading the way on 32.

He said: "We are going to try and snatch third spot from Arundel but we will need them to slip up."

Unbeaten leaders Broadwater were sent crashing to a 77-run defeat at bogey side Ansty in division two.

Ansty scored 161-9 off their 49 overs with Richard Nichols making 54, including a big six off only the third ball of the match. It was Broadwater's sixth match against Ansty without winning.

Keymer and Hassocks are up to third following an eight-wicket win at Goring. John Grimley claimed 4-46 as the home team were dismissed for 166, Peter Rebera top scored for Goring with 46.

In reply, in-form Tony Chad hit 57 which means he has scored 50 or more in all but one match this season.

Jon Carr (44 not out) and Adrian Tatford (33 not out) steered the visitors to 167-2 and a comfortable win.

Barns Green won by nine wickets at Petworth Park. Park were dismissed for 37 as Alistair Awcock took 5-11. Green knocked off the runs for the loss of one wicket in response.

Crawley won by seven wickets at Pulborough. The home team were all out for 155 and Crawley made 156-3 in reply with Musawer making 89. Pulborough's Jonathan Hunter was run out off the first ball of the match without facing a ball.