Former Notts and Derby seamer, AJ Harris with 4-30

Hem Heath kept the pressure on Wood Lane when they collected maximum points against strugglers Little Stoke. Hem Heath won the toss and decided to bat and made their way to 176-9, Ben McQuire top scoring with 48, Daniel Richardson picking up his first five wicket haul of the season with figures of 5-41. In reply Little Stoke collapsed to 84 all out, Andrew Harris taking 4-30. Hem Heath move into second seven points behind leaders Wood Lane and Little Stoke are one point above the relegation zone.

Leek also maintained their challenge for the title, after they beat Longton batting second. Stefan Jones and Colin Dearden both took four wickets for Leek as they bowled the visitors out for 101. It took Leek 33 overs to knock the target off; they are now nine points off the pace at the top

With their challengers both winning Wood Lane could only manage a winning draw against Stone. Batting first Wood Lane’s Daniel Brierley (72) and Steven Brierley (53 no) put their side in a strong position at 253-7 from 54 overs. Stone then made a strong start and Luke Cheadle (49) and James Dawson (47) put on 81 for the opening partnership, but Stone could only reach 220 from 56 overs.

Sandyford sit bottom after losing batting second to Audley. The away side set Sandyford 224 to win, Robert Hemmings top scored with 53. In the second innings Craig Barker set about the strugglers batting line up as he took 7-69 and Sandyford were dismissed for 160. Little Stoke are now seven points from safety.

Barlaston, in their bid to beat the drop, got the winning draw against Porthill Park. Dan Hancock (91) and Ian Butler (53) helped Porthill set 263-6 from 54 overs. In reply Barlaston reached 244-7 from 44 overs. Barlaston sit one point behind Little Stoke in safety.

Burslem beat Knypersley batting first by 24 runs. Burslem set the home side 154 to win, Michael Rowley (48) and Christopher Roberts (42) being the main contributors. Imran Arif then tore through the Knypersley batting line taking 8-46 as they were dismissed for 129.