David Dowdeswell (60), Mark Macmain (44) and Martin Robson (39) propelled the Cold Ashby team to victory at 191 for four after West Haddon had been restricted to 190 for six with Matt Climie scoring 59 runs as well as picking up two wickets.

Will Robinson also made 43 not out but West Haddon slipped ever closer to the relegation trap as Todd Hewitt claimed a couple of wickets for the visitors who still trail leaders Irchester by 32 points.

Guilsborough stay third despite a high-scoring draw with Higham Ferrers who made 199 for six in reply to an imposing total of 245 for seven.

Graham Cottle was Guilsborough’s main man with an unbeaten 59 and a couple of wickets.

The Tipler brothers also nudged into the 30s but an innings of 60 from Danny Gould ensured that Higham held out for an honourable draw.

In Division Three Long Buckby’s clash with fellow promotion candidates Wollaston saw Buckby squeak to a narrow victory.

Woolaston posted 195 for eight with Long Buckby reaching the target with two wickets to spare.

East Haddon stopped the rot in Division Two with a high-scoring draw against Northampton Saints IIs (209 for seven) on totalling 228 for eight at the start of the day. Craig Burger (77) and Alex Jackman (72) put on 129 runs for the second wicket.

Saints IIs also relied on a big stand with openers Affie Hussain (61) and Andrew Jefferson (60) putting on 105 runs before Jeremy Medlin and Stuart Keeping each claimed a couple of wickets.

In Division Six Old (153 for five) were too good for Bugbrooke (149 all out) winning by a five-wicket margin after John Cuthbert’s unbeaten 69 and Sam Street’s six wickets for only 32 runs.

For Bugbrooke the Brazier brothers both passed the 30 mark on opening the innings but Ian Street chipped in with two for 21 as Old went on to record a comfortable victory.

Kislingbury (128 for nine) held on by the skin of their teeth for a losing draw against Stony Stratford IIIs (201 for eight) in Division Eight but Daventry stay bottom of Division Nine after losing to St Michaels by nine wickets.

Simeon Tinant (56) and Tom Marlow (five for 27) were the Northampton side’s match-winners even though Mainak Ray scored 56 runs for struggling Daventry.

This Saturday’s fixtures include: East Haddon v Old Wellingburians, Long Buckby v Loddington, Ashby Timken v Wicken, Guilsborough v West Haddon, Harlestone v Northants Police, Bugbrooke St Michaels 74 v S and L IIs, Badby v Weekley IIs, Yelvertoft v Grendon, Kislingbury v East Haddon IIs.