OCKBROOK & Borrowash beat the weather and their opponents in a dramatic finish to reach the last 16 of the Cockspur Cup.

The Beechwood Derbyshire Premier League leaders came through by three runs away to Nottinghamshire side Papplewick and Linby, in a game frequently interrupted by the rain.

Having batted first and seen their innings shortened, Ockbrook were very much at a disadvantage.

They were poised for an assault at 145-3 from 31.2 overs, with Matt Cassar and Ben McGonigal going well.

“I'd have fancied us to get another 100 from there,” said captain Neil Smith.

“But, after another rain break, we had to go out for only four balls to complete the over.

“I suppose they were crucial in the end, especially as Matt hit a six off the last of them.”

Cassar finished on 81 not out and the score on 153-4 from 32 overs.

“We weren't too happy about carrying on from there but we just had to get on with it,” said Smith.

“But at least we had the runs and they had to get them.”

In the event, Trevor Smith took 3-37 and Lian Wharton 3-31, Papplewick coming to the last over, bowled by Ian Darlington, needing 12.

When that came down to seven from two balls, there was controversy as Charlie Ault scooped back a shot close to the boundary, spectators claiming he had touched the rope.

But it was judged to be two runs and Ockbrook survived to reach a last-16 away tie at Chester-le-Street in Durham.

Sandiacre Town also came through at York, where the home side's 141-7 from 32 overs was reduced to a target of 131 from 27 by more rain, one that they reached with only three wickets down, Rob Attwood unbeaten in the 30s at the end.

“The situation was in our favour a bit but I still think we outplayed them for most of the game and deserved the win,” said captain John Trueman.

Sandiacre will be away to Kendal or Formby in the last 16.

Lullingon Park must try again after their last-32 match at Kibworth was ended by a hailstorm and heavy rain.

Kibworth batted first and reached 214-4 in 39 overs, which was to be the final length of their innings after early rain breaks.

A huge storm after the tea interval ensured there was no chance of Lullington starting their reply and the sides will replay next week.