Ringmer are the new leaders of division one of the East Sussex Cricket League after Rye suffered a surprise defeat at home to The Boards.

Steve Barnett hit a splendid 97 as Ringmer set a total of 210-6, with Simon Pugh adding 47 as Rupert Thacker took 3-49.

Newick held on at 78-8 in reply with Jadeja scoring 30 as Graham Pitts picked up 3-15 and, although the draw was frustrating, the points gained were enough to take Ringmer to the top of the table.

Rye's purple patch came to an end as they were bowled out for 83 at home to The Boards. Only Ally Russell (22) showed any resistance to the bowling of Peter Ray, who claimed 5-19.

The leaders were replying to a Boards total of 150-7 in which skipper Terry Penfold had carried his bat for 70 not out. He was well supported early on by Ian Rippengal, putting on 59 for the first wicket, but the visitors were then tied down by Graham Tree (4-48) and Martin Blincow (3-51).

Chiddingly and Fletching remain in the title race after sharing a draw. Charlie Wycherley scored an excellent 101 not out, gaining support from Hugo Youngman, as third placed Chiddingly amassed 220-8.

Fletching made a spirited reply with Terry Lucas hitting 68 and Mark Horscroft 52, but they eventually had to settle for a draw at 203-6. Tim Hinchcliffe claimed 4-50 for the hosts.

At the bottom, Herstmonceux moved out of the relegation places after an eight-wicket win at home to Ditchling. Andy Snow top-scored with 37 as Ditchling were bowled out for 131, Steve Hoadley taking 4-37 and Andy Samuel 3-40, while Alan Smith's 14 overs for 13 runs also proved crucial.

There were contributions from Sam Gower (32 not out), Hoadley (32), Mike Pannett (31) and Martin Menezes (28 not out) as 'Ceux reached their target with only two wickets down.

The bottom two are now St Peters and Seaford, who shared a draw at Preston Park. Replying to the home side's 181-8, Seaford were left clinging on at 154-9 at the close with last pair Chris Stanyard and Tim Hurst playing out the final six overs. John Smith (39 and five wickets) stood out for Seaford, while Glenn Potter claimed six wickets for St Peters.

Crowhurst Park's domination of Division Two continued and West Indian Victor Walcott was again the star in a crunching win over Lewes St Michael's. Darren Corke hit 68 not out as Park made 210-5 and Walcott, having already scored 25, then took 7-18 as St Michael's were skittled for 58 in reply. Paul Brookes chipped in with 36 runs and 3-27.

An administration blunder meant second placed Barcombe turned up at Wadhurst with only seven players and they were duly thrashed. Chris Tucker (34) and Richard Osmond (32) helped Barcombe make 145 all out but Wadhurst eased past that total with only one wicket down thanks to an unbeaten 76 from Mick Foster.

Heathfield Park enjoyed a ten wicket triumph in a high-scoring contest at home to Polegate and Stone Cross. The visitors amassed an impressive 244-5 with Rick Scott scoring 109, ably supported by Simon Hobden (51) and Richard Thomas, with a quick 44.

However, Park cruised to victory in 30.1 overs with Ian Cox scoring a marvellous 152 not out - his century coming in just 59 balls - and Peter Goodsell adding an unbeaten 87.

Another centurion was Iden's David White who made 139 as his side reached 238-5 at Glynde. In reply, the hosts secured a draw at 195-8 at the close with Daryl Williams scoring 62.

Another draw saw Battle amass 208-9, with Gamble scoring 46 as Peter Danckert took 4-63. Danckert then hit 59 in reply but visitors Tunbridge Wells Borderers fell just short on 202-8 at the close.