A terrific bowling display from Michael Radford could not stop Ringmer's charge towards the top of the East Sussex League table.

Radford claimed an excellent 9-42 as Newick bowled out Ringmer for 121 but the home team responded by dismissing their opponents for 88 to claim a maximum points win.

This was Ringmer's fourth successive victory since losing to Crowhurst Park on the opening day of the season and it lifted them into second place, eight points behind the reigning champions.

Ringmer's lowly total included a fine second wicket stand of 80 between Neil Thornicroft (40) and Dave Smith, with a forceful 31. When Newick replied, opener Sam Carter hit 27 but Ringmer skipper Gary Holder took 5-16 from 15 overs to leave them in all sorts of trouble.

Holder said: "The stand between Neil and Dave won us the game because they were the only two players who scored over 30 in the whole match. It was a particularly good performance as they were batting early on when the pitch was at its wettest."

With Crowhurst Park winning as well, last year's top two are setting the pace again but Holder added: "Crowhurst Park have still got to play Glynde and it will be interesting to see how they get on.

"I don't think anything will be clear until everybody has played each other once. We know Fletching are competitive again this year."

Fletching showed their own credentials with a two wicket success at home to a fast-emerging Glynde side.

The hosts made full use of the conditions after winning the toss with skipper Glenn Potter (6-50) and Grant Horscroft (4-43) taking all the wickets to fall as Glynde were dismissed for 116. The total included a battling 47 from Dominic Shepherd.

Fletching lost eight wickets in reply but clinched victory with Andy Fitzgerald scoring 26 and Andy Horscroft 23. For Glynde, 15-year-old off-spinner Joe Adams took 3-14 from 16 overs on his 1st XI debut and skipper Ian Mepham picked up 3-34.

Leaders Crowhurst Park maintained their unbeaten record with a hard fought victory at home to Ditchling.

Park had not beaten Ditchling since their return to the top flight two years ago but they took the honours on this occasion thanks to a splendid century from Michael Legg, whose 128 not out included 14 fours and seven sixes.

Victor Walcott (33 not out) and Paul Lindfield (33) also made contributions before an early declaration at 253-5.

In reply, Ollie Burns (78) frustrated the home bowlers, gaining useful support from Matthew Nolan (37). Nigel Adams came in to hit 46 not out to help Ditchling to maximum batting points but they were eventually bowled out for 233 with Walcott taking 5-85 and Richard Coleman 3-24.

Legg said: "I enjoyed it but it was more important getting the 30 points because it is tight at the top.

"The fielding was much better this week, even though we put a few chances down.

"Credit to Ditchling, they didn't lie down. They only needed six an over off the last six or seven and could have won it but thankfully we got the last three wickets."

DPB (Eastbourne) recorded their first win of the season against a Wadhurst side who are already looking favourites for relegation.

Graham Everdell hit 51 for Wadhurst but veteran Peter Ray exploited the conditions with his mixture of off-breaks and leg-breaks to claim 7-34 as DPB dismissed the visitors for 147.

In reply, Terry Penfold (61) and Ian Rippengal (52 not out) guided DPB to an eight wicket victory which lifts them up three places in the table.

Penfold said: "We needed that because I think everybody will beat Wadhurst this year. It really helps our cause."

The match involving Heathfield Park and Chiddingly was cancelled due to the weather.