BOTTOM club Nutbrook launched their late bid to escape relegation with an unexpected win over leaders Rolls-Royce.

But Aston-on-Trent, insecond, could not capitalise, as they were beaten at home by Swarkestone.

Both of the likely promoted sides, therefore, were graetful that they already have a huge lead at the top of County League Division One.

Nutbrook's win, their fourth, takes them to within two points of second-bottom Shipley Hall and within four points of third-bottom Staveley Welfare.

They batted first at Royces and made 205-5, with Tom Bentley, Michael Chambers and Richard Henshaw all passing 40.

Dan Brooks then made early inroads for Nutbrook, taking three wickets to reduce the home side to 26-3 and when two more wickets went at 35, there was no way back.

Royces folded for 101, Brooks taking 4-42 and Carl Pengelly 4-33.

Aston fared little better, being bowled out for 145 by Swarkestone, Michael Scott and Bruce Dilkes each taking three wickets.

The visitors got the runs for five wickets with an over to spare, Jamie Guthrie (42 not out) and Scott (31 not out) seeing them home at the end.

Stainsby Hall are back in third place after recovering from their recent wobble with a 27-point win over Marehay.

Tom White top-scored with 69 in their 216 all out, while Neil Sparham took 5-47.

Victory looked likely for Marehay while Chris Kerry (52) and Sparham (84) were carrying them from 39-3 to 158, a partnership of 119, but when they were both out within the space of 20 runs, the innings fell away and they were all out for 201.

Rob Wood and David Smyth took four wickets each.

Shipley Hall are back in relegation trouble, even though the weather saved them from probable defeat at Matlock.

They were 99-8 from 35 overs, chasing 169-7, when the rain came, with Mandla Mashimbyi having taken 5-18 from 11 overs, and eight points was a bonus return in the circumstances.