ASTON-ON-TRENT set up a tight finish to the Derbyshire Indoor Cricket League title race by ending Spondon's unbeaten record when the two sides met at the Gateway.

Aston's win means that both sides have lost once, although they are two points ahead for now, having played one more game.

What may well be important in the end is that Aston also currently have a considerably better runs-to-wickets average and that could decide the title if neither side loses again.

Spondon looked set for a big total at 62-2 after four overs but they slipped to 78-5 in the next two overs and were indebted to skipper Joe Ashdown for guiding them to 119-5 with an unbeaten 68.

However, Aston were equal to the challenge, reaching 48-1 from three overs and losing only one more wicket in passing the target with five balls to spare.

Faisal Khan made 26 not out and Atiq Bhatti 27 not out but veteran Rafaqat Ali, who had only gone along to watch, ended up playing and hit the winning runs with two sixes in his 18 not out.

Ilkeston edged away from the group at the bottom of the table with a crucial win over third-placed Brailsford, bowling them out for 79 and winning by three wickets, with Martin Brandrick scoring 25 not out and taking two wickets.

Richard Ottewell scored 29 in Alvaston & Boulton's 31 all out, which was predictably not enough as Elvaston won by six wickets.

West Hallam did not have to do anything to stay on top of Division Two, as opponents Brailsford B conceded the game.

Marehay stay two points behind with a game in hand after running up 139-5 to beat Rolls-Royce B by 46 runs.