Ringmer held a total of nine catches as they returned to the top of division one.

David Smith's side showed safe hands right across the pitch as they beat Fletching by three wickets.

Colin Coddington and Graham Pitts took four wickets apiece as Fletching were dismissed for 139 and Coddington later hit a straight six to clinch victory after Adam McBrown (38 not out) had led a Ringmer recovery from 20-3.

Wicketkeeper Smith, who held three catches, said: "There were some pretty spectacular catches from my players.

"They were faultless and you have to say it was the fielding which won us the game."

Previous leaders Rye suffered a surprise defeat at home to Newick.

Rupert Thacker was the star of the show, top-scoring with 32 as Newick made 176 all out and then snapping up 6-42 as Rye collapsed from 72-2 to 144 all out.

For Rye, Ian Hopper took 4-47 and Alex Khan scored 33.

Medium-pacer Tim Hinchcliffe claimed a hat-trick within figures of 7-67 as third-placed Chiddingly edged victory at Ditchling.

Replying to a Chiddingly total of 186-8 which included 48 from David Ellis, Ditchling were bowled out for 175 with Hinchcliffe doing most of the damage. Jim Nolan hit 54 for the hosts.

Skipper Terry Penfold hit a glorious 131 not out and James Wise added an unbeaten 56 as The Boards amassed 241-2.

However, visitors Seaford held on for a draw in reply, finishing on 164-8 with Will Hopkins scoring 40 as Mark Underhill picked up 3-39.

The biggest individual score in the league came from Mike Pannett who smote the ball to all parts of the ground for 152 as Herstmonceux made 252-4.

Pannett shared in an opening stand of 144 with Mike Paige (57), but 'Ceux had to settle for a draw as St Peters made 185-7 in reply. Malcolm Eldridge scoring an unbeaten 55 while Andy Samuel picked up 4-64.

Martin Barry (71 not out) and Darren Corke (32 not out) led Crowhurst Park to a crushing ten wicket victory over Polegate and Stone Cross in a top-versus-bottom clash in division two.

Park overhauled Polegate's total of 104-9.

All the other games ended in draws with third placed Barcombe just missing out at Lewes St Michael's.

The home side were bowled out for 162 with Tom Gaydon picking up 4-53, but Barcombe fell short on 159-9 after a tense final few overs. Dave Wilcock took 5-50 for St Michael's.

Iden had to settle for a draw at Tunbridge Wells Borderers, who made 178-9 with Peter Danckert scoring 69.

Neil Cloute (57 not out) and David White (42) led a reply which closed on 159-9.

Ollie Callf (55) and Roger Hurrell (45) helped Glynde post a useful total of 205-9 at home to second-placed Wadhurst, but the visitors were equally fluent in reply as they reached 190-3 at the close.

Patrick Gada struck 83 not out as Battle totalled 247-5, but hosts Heathfield Park played out a draw in reply, closing on 182-5 with Tom Hall having scored 57.