The Division Two title race is building to an intriguing finish as Millhouses became the latest side to take the lead. In the divisional game of the day, they were bowled out for 159 (Andy Lock 55) by former leaders Stocksbridge. The North Sheffield men, however, capitulated for just 73 (D.Searle 6-38) and fell to fourth spot.

Continuing their good run are second placed Bakewell. They visited Grindleford, who compiled a healthy 179-6 thanks to Tom Skelton (61no). Wallace (43) and Haynes (42) saw Bakewell past the post with four men to spare. Also in the mix are Sheffield University Staff. Paul Kerry (120) and James Kingswell (47) steered them to 233-5. Baslow were subsequently dismissed for 145 (M.Sharma 6-27).

Hathersage II triumphed in the battle of the bottom two. They dismissed Stocksbridge II for 95 (Nick Smalley 39no, James Watson 4-30) and claimed a seven wicket win with Simon Loseby hitting 40 not out. SWD II notched up 188-7 (Rob Barker 68no) but were pipped at the post by Centralians II, who replied with 189-8 (Paul Kennedy 61no). Dronfield Woodhouse were bowled out for 139 (Chris Sanders 58, Ian Spilman 5-40) at home to Parkhead II, who could only manage 106 in reply (Simon Turner 4-41, Richard Barnsley 4-7).

SWD have stretched their lead of Division One to twenty eight points. On Saturday, they dismissed Centralians for 90 and reached a seven wicket win thanks to Richard Everitt (42no). They were defeated by the elements on Sunday as title rivals De La Salle stood on 52-5 (Rittu Ghose 4-25) after 29 overs when the rains came. De La Salle had a better start to the weekend with victory over Calver. The home side were bowled out for 135 (S.Wainwright 5-35, S.Willey 4-39) allowing the men from Beauchief to claim a five wicket success (S.Burton 43) and third place to boot.

Parkhead hold on to second spot. They were bowled out for 152 (M.Clark 5-73, N.Rosling 4-54) but doubled their efforts to restrict Stanton In Peak to 139 all out despite 45 from Anthony Gladwin. Hathersage were dismissed for 141 (Joe Woolway 42, John Carrington 5-55) at home to Ashford In The Water, who were led to a seven wicket win by skipper Andrew Paulett (79no).

Not to be discounted in the title chase are Hundall. They scored 205-7 (D.Marsh 61) away at Collegiate, who posted 176-9 (G.Layer 56, C.Ash 51no, G.Badcock 6-48) in reply. Bottom side Chesterfield Barbarians failed to register their first win by the narrowest of margins. Holmesfield were dismissed for 138 (J.Pearson 52, T.Lumb 50, J.Wall 5-36) but the Barbs fell agonisingly short on 134 all out (Nick Crapper 4-35).

De La Salle II maintained their lead of Division Three in impressive fashion against free-scoring Ridgeway. Harry Cartwright (66) and Lee Keys (42) saw Ridgeway to 195-8 (Nick Howard 5-73). De La Salle passed this for the loss of four men (R.Bulmer 76no, M.Green 60). Also in batting form are second placed Sheepbridge. They recorded 234-8 (Ben Chambers 68, Bob Purshouse 6-77) at Hundall II, who fell short by sixty five runs. Transport claim third spot by virtue of an eight wicket win over bottom side University Staff II. Staff were sent back for 94 (Phil Cotterill 5-42) and Transport were steered home by Abdul (50).

The second tie of the season was played out between Coal Aston and visitors Richland Wanderers. The Wanderers were pegged back at 138-9 (D.Kurley 4-18) and saw Coal Aston get the eight they required from the last over to claim an equal share of the points (O.Chambers 48no, M.Wilmott 8-63). Millhouses slipped into the bottom two despite scoring 170-9 (Adam Gibson 4-66) against Collegiate. The home side gained a five wicket win with Ashley Webster scoring 40. Collegiate were thwarted on Sunday as the rain forced abandonment of their game against University Staff II, with the score nicely poised on 129-4 (Andy Leiper 47).

Walkley march on in style at the head of Division Four. Stocksbridge III made the not inconsiderable total of 185 all out (Nathan Helliwell 55, Steve Harris 40, Graham Hudson 4-52). The leaders made light work of the target with Steve Birch (103no) completing a six wicket success. Hallam continued their push for promotion by bowling Baslow II out for 114. Jon Clark (48no) and James Twomey (45no) ensured a six wicket win followed.

Sheepbridge II went one better than their first team by posting 235-7 (Bob Chambers 42no, Alex Booth 4-52). Zingari were bowled out for 135 in reply (Vernon Smith 54, Clive Howells 4-24). Zingari also fell victims to the weather on Sunday with Baslow II stranded on 99-4. Sam Newbold (4-12) saw Chesterfield Barbarians II all out for just 95 on their travels at Richland Wanderers II. The Wanderers claimed a ten wicket triumph with Paul Fletcher remaining unbeaten on 56.