This had been billed as the match of the season and the two teams didn't disappoint, Mark Fell hitting his fourth century of 2008, sharing a third wicket partnership of 115 with Vikram Atri (58) and helping his side to 260 for seven at the close. Fell's 124 came off 150 balls and including nine fours and five sixes.

But Woodhall were at full strength and Northampton player Andrew Crook eclipsed Fell with an unbeaten 143, ably supported by Conrad Louth with 81. This partnership put on 204 for Woodhall's second wicket and Crook's total was scored off 122 balls with 18 fours and two sixes as he took his side to seven wicket win with seven overs to spare.
This result closed the gap at the top of the table to around three per cent but Woodhall still have a lot of work to do if they are to catch the five times champions.

Market Deeping consolidated their third position with a win over Nettleham who were left chasing 163, Deeping's final wicket falling in the last over. But after a steady start that saw them reach 92 for three, the home side collapsed to 119 all out, Michael Kearns taking four for 28 off 14 for the visitors.

The status quo was maintained at the bottom of the table as all four teams lost. Haxey suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Louth, for whom Nuwan Shiroman hit the day's top score of 157 and 16 year old Rory Osmond made 58 as the home side finished on 253 for three. Haxey were then bowled out for 98.

Caistor picked up six points at Messingham who overtook their opponents' score of 202 for seven to win by five wickets, Ali Arman making an unbeaten 67 and Jason Scheepers 51.

Sleaford stayed clear of the relegation zone despite going down to Bourne by four wickets, a win that moved Bourne up to fourth. A knock of 58 not out from skipper David Christmas rescued Bourne who found themselves 11 for two, then 50 for four chasing their hosts' 152 for nine.

And Lindum eased slightly further away from the three teams below them despite going down to Grimsby who are now sixth. Grimsby were bowled out for 175 but Matthew Cocks took five wickets as Lindum were defeated by 25 runs.