The title race swung firmly in the favour of Earls Barton after rivals Thrapston suffered a surprise reverse.

The gap at the top now stands at 23 points after Matt Southam (5-52) played a key role in East Haddon toppling Thrapston who, despite Andy Stoker's valiant effort of 55, were bowled out for a modest 176.
It was still a testing total, and when Haddon slipped to 129 for six the result appeared to be going against them.

However, Chris Henderson (57) and Jeremy Medlin (18) turned the tide before Southam provided a cool head at the end to sneak a two-wicket victory.

Barton continued their march towards the title with a comfortable win over Finedon Dolben (143 all out).

A remarkable Finedon scorecard had middle order batsmen Phil Materna (17) and Primesh Patel (66no) as the only ones in double figures, with Faheem Suleman (5-30) causing a lot of the damage for the visitors.
The reply had a couple of hiccups, but Tom Mills (33) and Matt Rees (38no) eased any fears to secure a five-wicket win.

Saints IIs finished on 202 for eight against relegated Raunds (162) to keep up with nearest rivals Towcestrians.

Batsmen enjoyed their afternoon at Towcester as the Tows (162-4) fell short of the huge target of 223 for five set by the Grammarians.

Andrew Key's (67) was the highlight of the Towcestrians' innings.

Overstone Park strolled to a comfortable win over Brigstock
Dan Horsfall's (4-29) meant the Brigstock batsmen suffered in a way the hosts wouldn't.

This was demonstrated as the Overstone openers almost completed the job for themselves, only for Sam Shelford to fall for 52.

However, Kunal Patel (67no) and Michael Hale (19no) saw things through to an early conclusion as Brigstock couldn't find any way to combat the Overstone batsmen.


Division three
Flynn on fire for Bucks as they paste Podington
A confident performance from Long Buckby maintained second place with a comfortable win over Podington at Station Road.

The hosts looked in control with strong batting performances from Richard Bott(47), Rob Wykes (35) and Sam Bevin (33) as they finished on 225.

Podington's reply was a pitiful 61, a bit of a recovery from the 18 for six they were at one point.

An excellent bowling performance by Richard Flynn (4-17) ensured the result was never likely to be in doubt.

Meanwhile St Crispin's Ryelands (239-6) had to settle for a winning draw at Bowden (178-8), with strong batting performances from Kenny Heath (57) and Mark White (52) contributing towards their total.

Kyle Smith (3-34) put in a strong bowling performance for the visitors to steer Crispin's towards the win.

Horton IIs (183-7) achieved a winning draw over Wollaston (138-9) at home.

The highlight of the Horton display included a fine innings from James Reynolds (57).

Old Northamptonians IIIs suffered defeat at home to Raunds after being bowled out for 152.

Dave White (51) put in a fantastic batting performance for the hosts who at one point were 97 for eight.

However, the bowling of James Gaul (5-26) was the main problem for the ONs who didn't seem to have an answer to his excellent display.