Buckden took an important step towards earning a rise into the Hunts League top flight last Saturday – thanks largely to star performances from their twins.

They strengthened their grip on second place in Division Two by seeing off promotion rivals Barnack by 125 runs.

Opener Alex Marsh cracked a third century of the summer – hitting seven fours and nine sixes in an innings of 112 - and sibling skipper Lawrie followed up an unbeaten 86 with a four-wicket haul.

Richard Harris (37 and 2-16) was another smart performer as Buckden piled up 283-6 before dismissing Barnack for 158.

Captain Marsh said: “It was a big result for us. The leaders, Bharat Sports, have opened up a big lead at the top and left everyone else to fight over second spot.

“The hardest thing for a small club like Buckden is getting a good side out consistently, but we've had a few players step up and others return this year.

“We'd certainly like to win promotion and we've put ourselves into a good position.”

The same applies to runaway leaders Sawtry in Division Three.

Super bowling from Ian Bonsall, who took 5-21, helped them cement their position at the top of Division Three with a 52-run win at Huntingdon & District 2nds.

James Wiltshire (45) and Hayden Bream (35) were the biggest contributors as Sawtry amassed 196-7 before Bonsall's exploits ensured the hosts got no further than 144-9 in reply.

Eaton Socon boosted their Division One survival hopes by beating previously unbeaten leaders Southill Park last Saturday.

And they were helped to a 95-run success by a fine spell of 3-2 bowling from 13 year-old prospect Olly Jeffries.

Jamie Vale also excelled with the ball, taking 4-16 as Southill Park were shot out for just 95 in pursuit of Eaton Socon 2nds' offering of 190-9. That tally featured knocks of 48 from Simon Cooper and 41 by Ray Tudor.

Fellow strugglers Ramsey 2nds also picked up a welcome win as they held on by 11 runs at Peterborough side Hampton.

Ashley Wells (3-41) and Tim Willis (3-43) impressed as the locals successfully defended their 209 tally by removing the hosts for 198.

Brampton saw their three-match winning run come to an end in Division Four.

They were beaten by 71 runs at Peterborough side King's Keys in a high-scoring clash, during which almost 500 runs were scored.

The home side piled up 282-7 despite some smart bowling from Duncan McGregor, who claimed 4-43.

Stuart Henderson fell two runs short of a half-century as Brampton reached 211-4 in reply. Opener Andy Watts contributed 30.

Little Paxton's promotion hopes were dealt a blow by a three-wicket reverse at another Peterborough outfit, Werrington.

Tony Storey hit a half-century to help the locals reach 199-8, but it was bettered by the home side with four overs to spare.