Worthing have opened up a 17-point lead at the top of division two after their fourth win in five weeks when they triumphed by 19 runs at home to Middleton.

East Grinstead are second after a 119-run victory against early leaders Steyning.

Worthing captain John Kay led the run-getters as the leaders reached 209-7 declared at home to luckless Middleton.

He hit 55 and received good support from Pedro Venus (47) and Andy Lutwyche (43). The pick of the bowlers was James Rufey, who took 3-56.

Ed Bowes gave Middleton hope for their first win of the season when he made 61, but there were two wickets each for Chris Mansell, Brett Weinart, Nick Dumbleton and Ben Shelford to give Worthing victory by 19 runs.

The East Grinstead batsmen were in form against Steyning as they reached 220-5 declared, James Chadburn hitting 63 not out, Neil Turk 60 and skipper Steve Pollard 50. James Barrs took 3-69.

In reply, Steyning crashed to 101 all out. Top scorer was Leon Thompson (39) as Paul Turk took 3-129. There were two wickets each for Steve Greig, Christian Hunt and Stuart Simmonds.

Littlehampton won by six wickets at home to Sidley after putting their opponents in to bat.

Jed Elley took 5-57 to reduce Sidley to 114 all out. Then Matt Steight (37) and Gareth Wylie (41) took the home side to victory at 118-4.

The game between Preston Nomads and St James ended in a draw with the visitors holding out at 69 after their own slow over rate had produced a delayed declaration from Nomads at 203-8, Steve Gatting made 79 and Mike Thompson took 4-62.

Left just 41 overs to chase the runs, St James floundered as David Thompson took 4-28 and Lee Atkins 3-23.

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