Sarisbury Athletic have opened up a 23-point lead at the top of the Southern Premier League’s second tier. A six-wicket success against Calmore Sports was their sixth successive victory - on the day when second-placed Rowledge lost to Alton.
With six games remaining, hopes are now growing that Sarisbury will be able to reclaim the top flight status they lost when finishing bottom in 2015.
Western Australian based bowler Ronan DeGrussa, from the Perth outpost Gosnells, took his season's tally to 28 as Calmore were bowled out for 185.
That represented a considerable improvement bearing in mind they had crashed to 66-5 - DeGrussa dismissing opener Will Brewster (13) and Shawn Johnson (0).
Rob Franklin (2-24) removed prolific left-hander Ben Johns (9) while Jordan Wright (2-45) trapped skipper Mark Lavelle (1) leg before.
An unbeaten half-century by Ben Fisher (51), who came in at 66-5, aided by Max Bailey (44), raised the Calmore total.
With six games remaining, hopes are now growing that Sarisbury will be able to reclaim the top flight status they lost when finishing bottom in 2015.
Western Australian based bowler Ronan DeGrussa, from the Perth outpost Gosnells, took his season's tally to 28 as Calmore were bowled out for 185.
That represented a considerable improvement bearing in mind they had crashed to 66-5 - DeGrussa dismissing opener Will Brewster (13) and Shawn Johnson (0).
Rob Franklin (2-24) removed prolific left-hander Ben Johns (9) while Jordan Wright (2-45) trapped skipper Mark Lavelle (1) leg before.
An unbeaten half-century by Ben Fisher (51), who came in at 66-5, aided by Max Bailey (44), raised the Calmore total.
Ricky Rawlins (38) and Tom Mills put on 57 for the first Sarisbury wicket before both fell in quick succession.
After Sam Floyd hit 26, Cameron Grierson (44) and Jack Lovett (47 not out) guided Sarisbury to within an inch of their target with a fourth wicket stand of 81.
They will be in a great position to claim the sole promotion place if they can beat Rowledge in a crucial encounter at Allotment Road on Saturday, 12.30.
It's a must win affair for Rowledge, who have lost top spot after suffering back-to-back defeats by Basingstoke & North Hants and Alton, the latter by just 11 runs after a stunning fightback by youngsters Ryan Littlewood and Will Ryman.
After Sam Floyd hit 26, Cameron Grierson (44) and Jack Lovett (47 not out) guided Sarisbury to within an inch of their target with a fourth wicket stand of 81.
They will be in a great position to claim the sole promotion place if they can beat Rowledge in a crucial encounter at Allotment Road on Saturday, 12.30.
It's a must win affair for Rowledge, who have lost top spot after suffering back-to-back defeats by Basingstoke & North Hants and Alton, the latter by just 11 runs after a stunning fightback by youngsters Ryan Littlewood and Will Ryman.
Alton were looking pretty after an unbeaten 106 by Scott Myers, made during a hefty 155-run stand with Michael Heffernan (76), had pointed the Brewers to a formidable 264-5. One-time Academy prospect Hugh Wheeler made 44.
Zac LeRoux responded with a quality 52, but by then Rowledge were 35-3, with Bash Walters (4-35) making early inroads. Oli Ryman (26) and Oli Baker played useful support roles, but at 147-7 the hosts were almost out of it.
Not quite. Littlewood (54) and Will Ryman (52) belted a rapid 98-run stand to take Rowledge to a creditable 253-8.
Zac LeRoux responded with a quality 52, but by then Rowledge were 35-3, with Bash Walters (4-35) making early inroads. Oli Ryman (26) and Oli Baker played useful support roles, but at 147-7 the hosts were almost out of it.
Not quite. Littlewood (54) and Will Ryman (52) belted a rapid 98-run stand to take Rowledge to a creditable 253-8.