BALDERTON stayed nine points clear at the top of Division One of the Newark Alliance despite a surprise home defeat to Papplewick & Linby.

Despite 35 from opener Tim Clipsham, the leaders could only muster 86 with Jim Rhodes (3-9) creating a stranglehold from the start.

Papplewick also struggled with only one batsman making double figures, but that proved enough as Richard Winton got the better of the conditions and David Lynn (5-28) to smash an unbeaten 62 and guide them to a tense two-wicket win.

Bracebridge Heath could not capitalise on the leaders' slip as they were soundly beaten by Madni (187-8), who reignited their own fading title hopes thanks to the bowling of 14-year-old Rasheed. He took 4-13 as Bracebridge were skittled for 84.

Radcliffe-on-Trent (234-5) felt the power of Caythorpe's Sam Power, who blasted 119 not out, and James Oldham (102), in Caythorpe's impressive seven-wicket win.

Lenton won what may turn out to be the title decider at Plumtree (130) in Division Two. Itsham Quam starred for the leaders with 82 not out and a couple of wickets to seal a 106-run win.

Notts Unity moved a step closer to the Division Three title after a narrow win against Gedling and Sherwood (156-9). Kafeel Shafique was the star for the leaders with an unbeaten 72. Rivals Fiskerton came up against in-form Umair Hassan, who blasted 107, and Fiskerton (182-9) fell 26 runs short.

Clifton Village are now looking good for a promotion place after a seven-wicket win against Radcliffe-On-Trent II. Peter Scott bludgeoned 87 not out as they reached the Radcliffe total in less than 20 overs.

In Division Five, Lambley moved into promotion contention with a fourth win on the bounce, this time against unfortunate Balderton II.

Balderton stuck the hosts in and after a tricky start Lambley pushed on with 16-year-old James Starbuck blasting a brisk 70 not out to set a competitive 178-5. Balderton's luck was out though as they lost talented teenage batsman Steven Barnett to a serious knee injury in the field and he was sorely missed as they collapsed from 70-1 to 94 all out.

DIV ONE: Balderton 86 (David Lynn 5-28) lost to Papplewick & Linby 87-8 (Richard Winton 62*, Jim Rhodes 3-9); Madni 187-7 (H Riaz 62, A Rasheed 4-13) bt Bracebridge Heath 84; Radcliffe-on-Trent 234-5 (Brad Moses 66, Michael Bratt 58) lost to Caythorpe 248-3 (Sam Power 119*, James Oldham 102).

DIV TWO: Plumtree 130 (Bobby Gamble 47) lost to Lenton 236-6 (Itsham Quam 82*, Ikram Haq 50); Attenborough 153 lost to Thoresby Colliery 154-4 (Nigel Birkett 82* & 4-6); East Drayton w/o Notts & Arnold.

DIV THREE: Clifton Village 143-3 (Peter Scott 87*) bt Radcliffe-on-Trent II 142-8 (Simon Towers 44); Fiskerton 182-9 (Andy Becroft 4-46) lost to Long Eaton 208-9 (Umair Hassan 107); Notts Unity Casuals 168-8 (Kafeel Shafique 72*) bt Gedling & Sherwood 156-9 (J Piggott 46).

DIV FOUR: Gedling Colliery II 218 (Mohammad Amjad 60, Chris Berry 42) lost to Wollaton 278-4 (Adam Smith 144, Ed Hall 63, Jerry McMahon 4-16); East Bridgford 144-4 (A Khan 89*, U Kappaya 4-37) bt Gotham Village 140-7; Newark 94-2 (Rob Taylor 3-13, Craig Black 3-2) bt Ransome & Marles 90. Nuthall 96 all out lost to Calverton 98 for 5

DIV FIVE: Lambley Village 178-5 (James Starbuck 70*, Ian Staples) bt Balderton II 94-8 (Keith Binns 45); Clumber Park 117-1 (David Beard 64, R Stallworthy 45*) bt Claypole 116; Wollaton II 105-3 (Mick Delaney 75*) bt Forest Fields 101; West Bridgfordians 121 (Stuart Smedley 49) lost to Clifton Village II 280-6 (Martin Weightman 72, James Hollingsworth 68, Richard Harrison 54, Daniel Footitt 5-23).

DIV SIX: Collingham II 191-6 bt Burton Joyce 120; Wiseton 114-2 (Mat Oakes 77*) bt Fiskerton II 110-8; Long Eaton II w/o Notts & Arnold II.