They are now just one point behind leaders Cronkbourne and have two games in hand.

On Saturday Valkyres beat Crosby in a close game. but Cronkbourne’s match against Castletown was rained off and previous favourites Ramsey did not play.

At Marown, Crosby put up a fierce fight and did well to score 155 for 8 from their forty overs. The damp outfield hindered the batsmen and many excellent shots stopped just short of the boundary.

Opener Jack Rowlands made 25, but at 82 for 5 the game was slipping away. Then Jacob Hicklin and Dave Picken put on 60 to get their side back in contention.

Picken made 27 and Hicklin 20, leaving Joe Rothwell to crack a lively 18 not out before the close. Shahzeb Raja took 3 for 30 and Abdul Khan claimed 2 -21.

Needing 156 to win, Valkyres lost a couple of quick wickets but were rescued by Raja and Keith Brew. Batting sensibly both started defensively before going on the attack.

When Raja was dismissed for a fine 67, Crosby applied the pressure. Brew tried to hold the middle order together, but more wickets fell and the overs were running out.

In a very tight finish, Brew stroked a four to win the game with only three balls left. He ended on an excellent 54 not out while in the closing stages Amir Mirza gave vital support with 10 not out.

On his return from injury Joe Rothwell bowled well to take 3 -19, Chris Shimmin took 1 -18 and Harry Rothwell chipped in with 1-23. Next Saturday Valkyres travel to Ramsey in what many see as a possible title decider.

Standard Bank Premiership
Crosby 155 for 8 (Dave Picken 27, Jack Rowlands 25 : Shahzeb Raja 3 -30, Abdul Khan 2 -21); Valkyres 160 for 7 (Shahzeb Raja 67, Keith Brew 54no : Joe Rothwell 3 -19, Harry Rothwell 1 -23). Valkyres won by three wickets.
Castletown v Cronkbourne : Match Abandoned (rain) – one point to each side.

Standard Bank Blincoe Cup
Finch Hill 156 for 3 (Louis Thornton 37, Mark Furness 35 : Daniel Laughlin 1 -16, Ollie Swales 1 -18); Castletown B 116 (Dave Griffiths 23, Greg Tomlinson 22 : Mark Furness 3 -13, Ben Bennett 2 -4). Finch Hill won by 40 runs.

Standard Bank Forrester Division Two
Peel B 86 (Tom Gascoigne 29, Grant Elbourne 21 : Nathan Knights 3 -17, Phil Richardson 2 -18, Kai Kirkham 2 -18); Cronkbourne B 90 for 4 (Mike Hebden 48no, Paul Haswell 22 : Connor Gilbert 2 -17, Colin Gilbert 1 -14). Cronkbourne won by six wickets.

Isle of Man Bank Under 11 League
West (125) lost to North (196).