A terrific knock from Michael Legg could not stop defending champions Crowhurst Park from losing by 20 runs at relegation threatened Heathfield Park.

Legg was last man out for 96 as Crowhurst were dismissed for 220 chasing Heathfield's 240-4. His innings included six fours and seven sixes and even Heathfield admitted he deserved a century.

Bob Davies (5-74) and Simon Briggs (4-96) were the wicket takers for Heathfield.

Earlier, an unbroken fifth wicket stand of 107 between Scott Pearce (85 not out) and Steve Pearson (32 not out) had helped the home side to 240-4. James Heywood chipped in with 51 and opener Ian Cox struck 40.

The result failed to lift Heathfield out of the bottom two as fellow strugglers Newick beat Glynde by 64 runs.

Mike Radford (47) and Rupert Thacker (42) helped Newick post a total of 162 all out as Dale Tranter claimed 4-26. Daryl Williams hit 30 in reply but Glynde were dismissed for 98 as Liam Craig-Davies (4-41) and skipper David Hutchinson (3-12) did the damage.

Crowhurst Park, meanwhile, will rue a missed opportunity to make up ground on leaders Fletching, who were held to a draw at third placed DPB (Eastbourne).

DPB slipped to 80-6 despite 36 from Terry Penfold but Steve Hanmer (74 not out) and Mark Dunford (28) rescued to situation to post a total of 197-8. For Fletching, Terry Lucas took 4-80 and skipper Glenn Potter 3-47.

Having lost their top order cheaply, Fletching were grateful for a fifth wicket stand of 55 between brothers Grant (33) and Andy (30) Horscroft. However, Jamie Sykes continued to cause problems, bowling unchanged for 4-71 from 22 overs, and Fletching were left holding on at 137-9 at the close with Clive Horscroft unbeaten on 21.

Murray Barnett scored his maiden league century for Ringmer but they had to settle for a draw at Ditchling. Barnett's 104 included 13 fours and three sixes, and he helped his side post a total of 218-8. Richard Thomas added 28 and Dave Smith 27 while Mark Hilfiker (4-33) was the pick of the bowlers.

On a good batting wicket, Ditchling reached 188-6 at the close thanks to 71 from Johnny Atkinson and 28 by Mike Nolan.

Darren Howard hit 70 not out as Chiddingly overhauled Wadhurst's total of 137 all out to win by seven wickets.

Herstmonceux are the new leaders of division two after a 76-run success at home to Barcombe.

Richard Coomber struck an excellent 84, gaining good support from Mike Paige (62 not out) and David White (35), as Herstmonceux posted 211-5.

Keith Savage hit 40 in reply but Herstmonceux brought on the spinners early and Kevin Gardner responded by taking 5-71 as Barcombe were dismissed for 135. Alan Smith chipped in with 3-20.

Promotion rivals Seaford and Hellingly were both beaten in division two.

Johnny Armitage (63) and Barney Douglas (55) put on an opening stand of 106 for St Peters. On Armitage's dismissal, skipper Matthew Knight (71 not out) picked up the mantle to lead his side to a declaration at 233-4.

Opener John Reynolds hit 30 in reply but Seaford were all out for 87. Simon Coomber finished with 4-36 while Darren Klug cleaned up the tail to finish with 3-0.

Hellingly totalled 210-8 at home to Battle with James Wise scoring 59 from 56 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. Steve Vidler added 32 while Tom Chaplin (3-32) and Chris Reid (3-58) shared six wickets.

Bill Mozley (32) gave Battle a solid platform but they still needed 100 to win off the last ten overs with wickets in hand. Youngster Jeremy Reid took the attack to the bowlers and batted beautifully for 52 but fellow teenager Alex Collier stole the limelight as he plundered a quickfire 49 not out, including three sixes and seven fours, to secure an unlikely victory with almost three overs to spare. Rob Pye took 4-61 for Hellingly.