Teenager Phil Smith helped fast-improving St Peters to some valuable points in an exciting draw with Heathfield Park.

Smith became the first St Peters colt since Keith Greenfield in 1985 to score a 1st XI half-century as he struck an impressive 50.

Saints, promoted last season, remain bottom of division one with a game in hand but vice-captain Barney Douglas believes they are making significant progress.

Douglas, who stood in as skipper against Heathfield, said: "We have a young team and we are taking positives from every game apart from when we got skittled by Seaford.

"That is bound to happen on a couple of occasions because we lack experience but we have acquitted ourselves really well and are beginning to find our feet.

"We more than held our own against Heathfield and were a bit disappointed not to win. We are growing in confidence all the time and are looking to stay up."

Heathfield skipper Ian Cox struck 101, including 18 fours and two sixes, as his side made 217-8 declared. Harry Birmingham's 4-42 was the pick of the bowling.

In reply, Douglas (31) and Smith put on 91 for the second wicket, then Malcolm Eldridge (49) joined Smith in another useful stand but the loss of some quick wickets meant they settled for a draw at 186-7. Simon Briggs took 4-54 for the visitors.

Paul McDonald hit a sparkling century as Herstmonceux became the first side to beat leaders Seaford.

The hosts were in all sorts of trouble at 32-4 and 71-5 but McDonald and Matthew Wicks (37 not out) put on 170 for the sixth wicket to lead them to 243-7. McDonald's score of 139 included 22 fours and two sixes while John Smith's 4-64 was the pick of the bowling.

Seaford lost wickets at regular intervals in reply and were bowled out for 178 despite 77 from opener John Reynolds. Greg Watson finished with 3-53.

Second-placed Crowhurst Park were held to a draw by Newick. Tim Baines hit 63 as Park made 245 all out. Greg Bell claimed 3-41 and there was also two excellent direct hit run-outs from Bell and Sam Carter.

In reply, Carter (67) and Tim Gill (49) led Newick to 198-7 at the close, Nick Foord taking 4-62. Glynde cruised to an eight-wicket win at home to Fletching.

The visitors were dismissed for 176 despite contributions from Jamie Russell (39), David Meacher (35) and Clive Horscroft (32). Skipper Dale Tranter was the pick of the bowlers with 4-46.

Dominic Shepheard (69) and Joe Adams (68) got Glynde off to a great start in reply before Darren Howard (25 not out) saw them over the finishing line.

Ringmer were left holding on for a draw at home to Iden. Chris Curd (112), Phil Shanks (70) and Michael White (52) led Iden to 254-5, Graham Pitts claiming 3-61.

The same trio Curd, Shanks and White then took three wickets apiece to leave Ringmer clinging on at 177-9 at the close, Neil Thornicroft scoring 37.

Ditchling maintained top spot in division two after a sixwicket win at home to Uckfield Anderida.

Teenager Toby Margetts top scored with 70, putting on 80 for the second wicket with Pete Holman (36), as Uckfield made 188-8. John Norfolk took 4-40 for Uckfield who then knocked off the runs thanks to Ollie Burns (64 not out) and skipper Patrick Nolan (40).

Keith Savage (59) and Richard Osmond (48) helped Barcombe make 212 at home to Rottingdean, for whom Mark Smith claimed 5-67.

Andy Bird struck 59 not out in reply but Rottingdean were left hanging on for a draw on 149-9 after Joe Wheatley took 6-34.

Chiddingly went third after beating Battle by seven wickets. Aussie Burt Cockley top scored with 70 as Battle made 179-9. Five dropped catches cost Battle dear in reply as Andy Samuels (70 not out) and Wayne Puttick (40) led the hosts to victory.

Brothers Bob (5-13 from 11 overs) and Dave (3-70) Pye combined to dismiss Tunbridge Wells Borderers for 122. Paddy Stevens, skipper James Wise and Steve Vidler each hit 34, the latter two not out, as Hellingly eased to a seven-wicket win.

Chris Roxburgh (92) and Dan Foden (55) helped Crowborough set 241-6, with Mark Shimmonds taking 5-87 for hosts Willingdon.

Stefan Ashford struck 44 in reply as the home side secured a draw at 208-9.