THE meeting of the top two Division Six sides at Chippenham saw visitors Nettleton successful by just seven runs.

They made 157 all out, with Ian Sandell (30) top scoring and Chris Day taking 5-38 in 15 overs. Ray Bullen then hit 43, but Andy Couzens, 3-60 in 15 overs, and Sandell, 3-35 in 11.2, helped dismiss Chippenham 3rds for 150 with four balls remaining.

Beehive Bradford went top as they collected more bonus points in their clash with Goatacre 3rds.

Mike Reeves (51), Graham Fone (39) and Adrian Day (38 not out) helped the Beehive to 229-6. Day, 4-22, Nigel Reeves, 4-28, and Craig Hill, 2-10, then bowled Goatacre out for 88.

Box 2nds stay rooted at the foot of the table, despite scoring 170 all out at home to All Cannings. Andy Guy (41) top scored while Kevin Bills took 4-39 in 11 overs. With Richard Holman (77 not out) leading the way, All Cannings won by six wickets with six overs in hand.

Wootton Bassett 3rds gained only their third success with a 42 run victory over visiting Calne 2nds, who slipped to a third consecutive defeat and probably out of contention. Bassett were bowled out for 164,as Richard Gott bowled well to take 7-41. Then, despite the efforts of Barry Garland (51) and Glen Hardy (30), Calne slipped to 122 all out as Bird picked up 5-20.

The seventh and eighth placed teams met at Bradford Town where the home side's 2nds gained ground with a narrow three run victory. Bradford scored 180-9, a recovery after slipping to 68-7 in the 31st over, thanks to Adam Cooksey (24), Sam Edwards (26) and Chris Sherlock (47 not out). Clive Harding had done the initial damage with a fine spell of 4-15 in 15 overs.

In reply, Lacock paced their innings well as with John Heath making 75 not out they needed just seven from the final over. This was entrusted to 13-year-old Marcus Brown who conceded just three runs, leaving Lacock on 177-5.

NATIONWIDE House 2nds took advantage of Purton 2nds' free week to regain the lead in what is becoming a close race between the top four sides with a nine wicket win over Buscot Park 2nds.

United Churches go third after they defeated visiting Warminster 3rds by eight wickets. Colin Webb (71) and Aaron Malik (60) saw Warminster to 185 all out. A rapid 96 not out from Andy Foster then helped Churches to victory with 12 overs to spare.

The battle at the bottom saw Westinghouse 2nds gain only their second success as they travelled to Burbage and ER 2nds and came away with a seven wicket win. Burbage made a useful 2221-9 with Paul Grace taking 5-74 in 14 overs. Lavis top scored with 84 and helped by Steve Day (67) and Colin Grace (43) their win came with five balls to spare.