Captain Andy Welfare insists Billingshurst are still strong title contenders in Sussex Invitation League, division one, despite a comprehensive defeat against leaders Ifield.

Ifield went 50 points clear at the top after winning by seven wickets at home on Saturday.

Captain Graeme Dean (60 not out) and Parvez Akhter (40 not out) put on 70 for the fourth wicket to guide Ifield past a target of 139-9 inside 37 overs.

Defeat ended Billingshurst's three-match unbeaten run and left them a point behind second-placed Findon, who were without a game.

Billingshurst have a game in hand over Ifield, as do Findon, and Welfare believes the set-back will act as a wake-up call for his side.

He said: "We didn't perform on the day and in the end it was an easy win for them but we have shown in our first three games that we are good enough to be up there challenging.

"We still have aspirations of winning the title and this could be the kick up the backside we need after our good start.

"I know that on our day we could beat Ifield and we still have a game in hand over them, so we have a great chance.

"There is a long way to go and, hopefully, we can put this defeat behind us and get back to playing the sort of cricket we did in the first three games."

Welfare believes Findon's monopoly over the title will come to an end this season after five successive championships.

He added: "Normally people are talking about Findon as favourites but from what I have seen so far, I think Ifield are the team to catch.

"We beat Findon quite comprehensively a couple of weeks ago and compared to them Ifield are a much better side.

"I think it will be between us and Ifield."

Joe Owen hit 103 not out as Broadwater moved two points behind Billingshurst with a draw at bottom club Pagham.

Russell Bagley scored 61 in a Broadwater total of 231-7 and the hosts held on for 183-8.

Chris Summers starred with bat and ball as Southwick beat Goring by six wickets. He took 4-33 which, along with 4-43 from Steve Martin, helped skittle Goring for 130. Summers then hit 51 off 67 balls as the Wickers reached the target inside 36 overs to take maximum points.

Darren Senadhira (67 not out), Daniel Morgan (59) and Dave Croydon (44) top scored for Ansty in a draw at Arundel.

The home side never looked like getting near the target of 219-4 as they made 159-4 with Will Clark making 60.

Tayub smashed 129 not out to send Crawley Eagles five points clear at the top of division two in a draw at Slinfold.

Tayub put on an opening partnership of 128 with Ishtaiq (41) and an unbeaten second wicket stand of 128 with Fallah (61 not out) to help Eagles post 256-1. Slinfold made 212-7 in reply with Andre De Beere knocking 59, while Atif took 4-33.

Former leaders Henfield had their perfect start to the season ended as they could only take seven points from a draw at Keymer and Hassocks.

John Carr made 69 as Keymer put up 194-7, before Justin Toussaint took 4-41 to help restrict Henfield to 151-7.

Lindfield went from third bottom to third top after taking maximum points from a home win against Selsey.

Scott Clark made 56 as Lindfield chalked up 205-6, before Selsey were dismissed for 139 with Martin Gill (71) top scoring.

Sam Jeremiah (69) and Steven Hoadley (53) helped Scaynes Hill post 222-9 to edge out Barns Green by one wicket. Green had set a target of 221-5 thanks largely to Phil Alcock (73) and Jason Dumbrill (52).