UTTOXETER 2nds moved back in to the promotion places in Division 9S of the Derbyshire County League with a crucial victory over rivals Lullington Park 4ths on Saturday.
Lullington began the day five points ahead of the Town side having played one game more, making victory imperative for Dave Whitehead’s men.
Whitehead won the toss and asked the visitors to bat first on — a wise decision in damp conditions after overnight rain.
Dave Hunt and Tom Wheeldon completely subdued the visitors’ top order restricting them to just 40 runs from the first 20 overs.
However, the Lullington batsmen were difficult to dislodge with Dave Hunt striking first in the 16th over when he had Ryan Oliver well held at mid-on by Rory Maxwell.
Wheeldon claimed 3-27 and Gav 3-13 in seven overs with Lullington grateful forn the efforts of Paul Mantell (34 no) as they closed on 116-7.
The Uttoxeter reply started brightly as Wheeldon set about the Lullington attack in his usual brutal fashion to score a rapid 48.
He was well supported by Gav Hall who was unlucky to be adjudged leg before for 24.
Ben Cresswell (10 no) and Dave Hunt (16 no) saw the home side to victory with 22 overs and eight wickets to spare.
Crucially, Lullington took just two points from the game with Uttoxeter taking 22.
Uttoxeter travel to Trentside 4ths on Saturday and then face champions Burton 2nds at the Racecourse on Sunday.
Rosehill Methodists 2nds are just 15 points adrift and if Uttoxeter slip up they could see their hard work this season completely undone on the last weekend.
UTTOXETER 1sts end the season at home to Mickleover 2nds on Saturday but their hopes of promotion from Division 6S will probably depend on the outcome of games being played on Sunday.
The Town side lie in second place six points adrift of Abbots Bromley and 18 ahead of Rosehill, but have played a game more.
Bromley host Castle Donington Town on Saturday and have a crunch clash at Rosehill the next day.
