Clayton blasted the Central Division title race wide open with three spectacular wins in the space of eight days.

The victories were all over the other teams in the top four, including table-toppers Horsted Keynes and Blackstone, who had been beaten only once this season.

Win No. 1 came over Partridge Green by 23 runs, Janet Mitchell top scoring with 71, and Di Irwin taking 6-39.

Win No. 2 was at Horsted Keynes, where Irwin and Mitchell were both unbeaten with 75 and 52 respectively in a 19-run success.

And win No. 3 was against Blackstone, who were defeated by 54 runs with all-rounder Irwin hitting 83 and taking 6-52.

Clayton and Blackstone are now joint leaders with 22 points, while Horsted Keynes are four points behind with two matches in hand.

Two bowlers bagged eight wickets, Pam Weller taking 8-59 for the North Division in their championship clash with the Mid Division.

And Jacque Woodhams had 8-36 for Geebro against Alfriston in the East Division.

Claire Reed led a battery of century-makers with 165 for the North against the Mid.

Other tons in championship matches came from Sandra Gorringe (144 not out) and Jenny Towers (101 not out).

Linda Marks (128 not out), Jayne Bradley (123), Towers (119 not out), Ginette Hobbs (112), Rose Rainton (110 not out), Louise Carr (102 not out) and Reed (100 not out) struck three figures in league action.

Team of the week in the West Division were Ashington, who beat former champs Easebourne and tied with second-placed Horsham Trinity. Caroline Gorman hit 95 and 85.