JAMES Benstead hit his highest-ever score to inspire Dunstall to an unlikely cup success over Nottinghamshire Premier League leaders Papplewick & Linby in a run feast at Deer Park.

Dunstall were facing defeat – and a likely exit from the Derbyshire Premier Cup – after the visitors racked up an imposing 320-5 in Sunday's Group A encounter.

Sri Lankan pro Kosela Kulasekara was dropped first ball and punished the Derbyshire Premier League side dearly as he went on to score 118.

Wasim Rana also chipped in with 85, while John Wakeling made 42.

Dunstall, who lost their opening group game against Spondon, had to go for broke and, led by opener Benstead, they reached their target with seven balls to spare.

The former Staffordshire batsman saw the run chase all the way through, finishing on 176 not out from 154 balls.

He hit 22 fours and one six in his match-winning knock, which was his 25th hundred for Dunstall.

The innings surpassed the 160 he scored against Wirksworth in the same competition in 2002.

Benstead was ably supported by opening partner Matt Gouldstone (56) and younger brother Matt Benstead (52).

“It was probably the best run chase I have ever been involved in,” said delighted centurion Benstead.

“We didn't do ourselves justice in the field but it was a good wicket and we thought if we got off to a good start and kept wickets in hand, it was there for the taking.

“We were staring down the barrel after their innings but I think some of their lads thought they had already won it.

“After losing our first match, this was a must-win game, so we had to go for it and to see it all the way through was brilliant.”

He added: “We have been a bit disappointed with some of our performances so far this season, so we are hoping this could be a bit of a turning point.”

The other match in the group ended in a comfortable 147-run victory for Spondon against Alfreton.

Hosts Spondon batted first and amassed an impressive 316-6, largely thanks to Ben Ashdown's unbeaten 137.

Captain Sam Kellogg (53) and Joe Ashdown (50) played their part too, while John Aspinall took 3-55.

Graeme Bush (42) provided the only real resistance for Alfreton as they were dismissed for 169 in reply.

In Group B, Ockbrook and Borrowash beat Elvaston by 50 runs, while Alvaston & Boulton went down by 40 runs to Kimberley Institute.

Lullington Park lost by four wickets to Caythorpe in Group C, while Sandiacre Town were too strong for Ticknall, who they overcame by 136 runs.

In Group D, Ilkeston Rutland were 109-run victors at Quarndon, while Chesterfield lost by 118 runs to Mansfield Hosiery.

County League sides were also in cup action on Sunday.

In the Marston's Smooth Trophy second round, Belper Meadows edged to a one-wicket victory over Swarkestone, who were bowled out for 132.

Ben Tivey was in form for Trentside, scoring 82 and taking 6-40, but he ended up on the losing side as Aston-on-Trent romped to victory by 76 runs.

Elsewhere, there were wins for Denby, Derby Congs, Clifton, Rolls-Royce, Stainsby Hall and Staveley Welfare.

In the second round of the Derby Evening Telegraph Bayley Cup, a close game ended in a seven-run win for Walton-on-Trent over rivals Swarkestone.

Eddie Sloane's century helped Walton post 249 before Swarkestone fell just short.

Alfreton, Marehay, Morton Colliery, West Hallam WR, Langley Mill, Hilton and Lullington Park also booked their places in the next round.

The stand-out performance in the Ripley & Heanor News Wright Cup second round came from Robert Borland of Belper Meadows, who took 9-16 as Butterley United were shot out for 96.

Borland took the first nine wickets of the innings and was then involved in the run out that sealed a 52-run win for Belper.