St James, the Second Division leaders, had to be content with just 16 points from a limited-overs victory against Preston Nomads.
They staged a 27-overs-a-side game because of rain delays and the home side reached 133 all out, Sam Chettlebrough hitting 44.
Nomads struggled to 105-9 in their allotted overs as Tony McAllister took 3-10, Nomads gained eight points.
Stirlands' bid for promotion was strengthened as their skipper Jamie Hall made an unbeaten century at home to Cuckfield.
The visitors made 192-6 declared with Jon Goodwin hitting 74 not out and James Buckeridge 56.
Hall made 114 not out as Stirlands reached victory at 196-5, Tim Mole claiming 4-68.
Steyning dropped to third after suffering a surprise defeat at Bexhill where the home club enjoyed only their second win in two years. Bexhill's 212-8 declared owed much to Australian Sam Robbers, who fired 70.
Martin Phillimore scored 37 as another Aussie, Steyning's Dave Beardsley, grabbed 5-63. The visitors were dismissed for 174 despite 34 from Giles Haywood. Roberts completed a good day with 4-32 and Jason Wickenden took 4-28.
Littlehampton put themselves in contention for promotion following a three-wicket win at home to Lewes Priory, who they dismissed for just 126. Robin Friend (26), Kashif Ibrahim (24) and Michael Murray (23) made the best contributions, but Chris Hanks (6-45) paved the way for the win.
In their total of 127-7, Littlehampton owed much to Gotham Gopal (30) and Simon Kirkham (20).
Sidley enjoyed their fourth win of the season when beating Roffey by five wickets.
Jim Beau-Morgan hit 80 in a Roffey total of 178 as veteran Tyrone Wildman claimed 5-86 and Intikhab Alam grabbed 3-31.
But is was the batting of Pakistani Alam that won the match. He hit 77 in a Sidley total of 182-5.
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