Ringmer signalled their title intentions with a thumping win at home to Herstmonceux.

Skipper Murray Barnett led by example as third-placed Ringmer moved to within 21 points of leaders Seaford.

And Barnett is not prepared to stop there. It is eight years since Ringmer have won the title but Barnett is aiming to change that.

Barnett, who is in his first year as captain, said: "We are doing pretty well considering the changes we have had to make in the first part of the season.

"We have not had a consistent team and we have had to bring a few youngsters in. They are doing well. They are not winning matches for us but they are having a say in the way sides are being selected.

"We want to win the title. We are close behind Glynde and we don't know whether Seaford can keep up the good pace they have set. We intend to win it."

Barnett took 6-45 and Colin Coddington 4-40 as Herstmonceux were dismissed for 119, Dale Mayhew scoring 37.

Ringmer lost two early wickets in reply before Barnett (53 not out) and Dave Smith (36 not out) put on an unbroken 97 for the third wicket to steer them home.

Leaders Seaford earned a battling draw at Heathfield Park. Jamie Goddard hit 88 as the visitors recovered from 63-7 to set 162 all out. Tim Russell's 5-36 was the pick of the bowling.

The hosts seemed to have measured their reply well and started the final over on 157-5 but Jamie's brother Tim Goddard (5-28) claimed three wickets to leave them on 159-8 at the close. John Smith (3-40) also bowled well while acting captain Chris Hart hit 54 for Heathfield.

Seaford's Darren Moore said: "If anyone was wondering how and why we have managed to stay top of the league all season then this was the answer - we never play as if we are beaten."

Glynde moved to within a point of Seaford after thrashing bottom side St Peters. Joe Adams (85), Rob Mouland (51 not out) and Dominic Shepheard (43) helped Glynde post 248-4.

The home side were then skittled for 68, which included 21 not out from No. 11 Harry Birmingham. Visiting skipper Dale Tranter (7-21) claimed seven wickets for the second successive week.

St Peters remain in the bottom two with Newick, who lost by six wickets at Iden. James Walker hit 45 as Newick made 166 all out but the hosts eased to victory with Phil Shanks scoring 53 not out and skipper Michael White 50.

Crowhurst Park had to settle for a draw at home to improving Fletching.

Park were indebted to a ninth-wicket stand of 71 between Victor Walcott (47 not out) and Richard Coleman (25) as they posted 182 all out, Steve Oakes returning 4-79.

Walcott (3-33) soon had the visitors in trouble at 40-5 and Paul Lindfield (3-42) caused further problems but Fletching held on at 159-9 thanks mainly to 47 from skipper Dave Meacher.

In division two, Hellingly retained top spot with a 50-run success at home to Rottingdean.

Steve Hook top scored with 54 as Hellingly made 193 all out, then Paddy Stevens claimed 7-29 to dismiss the visitors for 143. Mark Grantham (5-46 and 62) excelled in defeat for Rottingdean.

Joe Wheatley hit 38 as Barcombe made 161 all out against Battle, for whom Aussie Burt Cockley took 4-39. Will Marler then claimed 4-36 to dismiss the visitors for 111 and send Barcombe second.

Ditchling had to settle for a draw at Tunbridge Wells Borderers, who made 203-9 with George Kyles scoring 58 as James Hallam took 5-54.

Jon Beardmore struck 68 in reply but Ditchling, facing only 41 overs, closed just short on 199-7.

Crowborough maintained their promotion challenge with a nine-wicket win over Uckfield Anderida. Toby Margetts scored 50 for Uckfield but they were dismissed for 137 with Jon DeSampio taking 5-30. Chris Roxburgh (59 not out) and Ian Easton (38 not out) then put on an unbroken 108 to ease the home side to victory.

Chiddingly made 241-5 away to Willingdon thanks to contributions from Mark Stapley (78), Andy Samuel (56) and Tom Carr (38) but they had to settle for a draw as Willingdon, who are now bottom, clung on at 113-8.