Glynde captain Dale Tranter is pleased to have some new competition as his side chases a third successive title.

Saturday's opponents Seaford are the surprise pace-setters in division one and they came close to beating the champions.

The title race was tipped to be between Glynde and Crowhurst Park but this result shows there is another team in the frame.

Clive Chipper (59) and Chris Stanyard (41) led the way as hosts Seaford posted 215-9, having been asked to bat.

In reply, Glynde were reduced to 14-3 and then 85-8 before Stuart Mouland (71 not out) and Tranter (35 not out) added 95 in an unbroken ninth-wicket stand to secure a draw at 180-8. Bowling honours went to Paul Mason (5-38) and John Smith (3-44).

Tranter, who also claimed figures of 4-72, said: "Seaford seemed a very well organised side. They batted and fielded well and it was a tough game for us.

"We didn't bat as well as we should have done but credit to them too.

"I will be interested to see whether Seaford have the ability to stay up there and keep winning games. Hopefully we will be up there at the end. We are not playing at our best but we are still picking up points."

Seaford batsman John Reynolds said: "We went into the game as leaders and were determined to show Glynde we mean business. We are disappointed not to have won but we have improved so much this season."

Crowhurst Park closed the gap at the top after a maximum points win away to Iden. At one stage, though, it seemed Park were heading for an unexpected defeat.

Paul Brookes struck 91 and Martin Barry 34 as the visitors made 194 all out, David White taking 4-31.

A fourth-wicket stand of 82 between Phil Shanks (87) and Philip Bourn (46) put Iden in sight of victory but, needing 37 to win with seven wickets in hand, they collapsed to 185 all out. Skipper Victor Walcott did most of the damage with figures of 4-21.

Ringmer added their name to the list of title contenders with a three-wicket win at Heathfield Park.

Ian Long hit 43 for the hosts but they were bowled out for 141 with skipper Murray Barnett (5-23) and Andy Smith (3-32) doing the damage.

Ringmer lost seven wickets in reaching their target, Tim Russell taking 4-66.

Herstmonceux won by a single wicket away to Newick.

Paul McDonald took 5-26 as the hosts were dismissed for 113, with the lone resistance coming from Sam Carter (41).

Rupert Thacker (4-34) did his best to salvage a result for Newick but the visitors edged home with Dale Mayhew scoring 33.

The match between Fletching and St Peters has been rearranged for Sunday, July 3, as the hosts' ground was unavailable.

In division two, leaders Willingdon slumped to defeat at Battle. Ian Withers top scored with an excellent 44 not out as the hosts set 215 all out, Ollie West adding 34 as Dan Auer took 3-34.

Joel Craven hit 33 in reply but Willingdon never came to terms with the quality of Battle's bowling and were rolled over for 142 with Ben Ridgway taking 3-9 from nine overs and West 3-11 from eight.

Second-placed Tunbridge Wells Borderers went down by two wickets at Crowborough.

Lee Pickett claimed 5-40 as Borderers were skittled for 121. Dean Serra (5-26) made a game of it in reply but Dan Foden (59 not out) edged Crowborough home.

Ditchling are the new leaders after a six-wicket win at Rottingdean. Mark Grantham (65) and Mark Gibbs (51) helped the hosts to 196 all out as Johnny Atkinson took 4-31. Mark Prickett (63), Beardmore (51 not out) and Mark Hilfiker (44 not out) led the successful reply.

A magnificent effort by Keith Savage (93 not out) and Matt Lloyd (68 not out), who put on 159 for the fifth wicket, also steered Barcombe to victory at Hellingly. Chasing 214-3, they needed 12 to win off the last over but fell four short on 211-4.

Earlier, Hellingly skipper James Wise struck 146 not out, including 13 fours and five sixes, sharing in a partnership of 157 with Paul Wheatley (43).

A club record stand of 203 for the third wicket between skipper Peter Holman (78) and Toby Margetts (101 not out), who hit his maiden first team century, helped Uckfield Anderida reach 217-3 against Chiddingly.

Chris Huntley took 3-35 when the visitors replied but the game petered out into a draw at 153.