Over Peover139 for 9

Norbury138 for 8

OVER Peover pulled off a hard-earned one-wicket victory on Saturday over visitors Norbury in an accident-strewn match, to retain their slender lead at the top of the Shammah Nicholls Premier League.

The visitors early order made only modest progress after being put in to bat, but skipper Darren Hodge accelerated the scoring with a polished 50, and carried Norbury to 138 for 8 off their maximum 48 overs.

Alarmingly for Peover, Paul Sant twisted an ankle while fielding and Ben Nightingale was pulled out of the bowling attack with a neck injury.

For Peover Neil Mills took 3 for 23, Mark Nightingale 3 for 45, Gavin Kay 1 for 25 and Ben Nightingale 1 for 21.

Peovers woes continued when they batted with two wickets down for 11, opener Eddie Bones was stung on the neck by a wasp inside his helmet, but went on to make 32 out of Peovers 67 for 5, when rain stopped play for 30 minutes.

After the restart wickets tumbled on the lively pitch, only Robin Bones standing firm.

When he was out for 36, the last man came in with 29 runs still required.

Neil Mills held out in the drizzle for six not out while the sedated Ben Nightingale hit 23 not out, taking Peover to an unlikely victory off only 23 balls.

For the visitors, Pete Holland took 5 for 75 and P Barlow 3 for 23.

At the head of the table, four points cover the top four teams, and Peover meet each of the other three in the five matches remaining, starting with visitors Burnage on Saturday.