NIGEL WALLER played through the pain barrier to put Broadwater in sight of a second successive league title.

Waller is waiting for an operation but responded to the call when the leaders were left short of bowlers by taking 5-66 to help dismiss Portslade for 186.

Mark Sinsbury (56 not out) and Paul O’Sullivan (43) then steered the hosts to a five-wicket win which leaves them within 30 points of being crowned champions.

Brother and opening batsman Graham Waller said: “We were struggling for bowlers a bit. We didn’t have James Iago, who was away with the RAF, Grant Christie, who was on holiday, and Dave Moon, who was unavailable.

“My brother has a neck operation coming up in a couple of weeks’ time but he rolled back the years to take a five-for.”

Southwater, who were not in action on Saturday, had closed the gap in recent weeks but Waller just wants Broadwater to concentrate on their own game.

He said: “We were miles in front but have slipped a bit for one reason or another. It was a quite comfortable but an important win.

“We mustn't worry about Southwater. We have just got to concentrate on what we have to do.”

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