RUARDEAN Hill found it a struggle against the league leaders, falling 118 runs short of the big target set by the visitors.

Corse and Staunton won the toss and elected to bat in the seasonal sunshine, eventually making 224-8 from their 40 overs, earning seven bowling points and five batting points.

Two Corse players – King and Wood – scored more than 50 and a third was denied his half-century by a single run.

For Ruardean wicket-keeper Steve Cross was top scorer with 39 – following on from an 82 the previous weekend while Lee Burford was the pick of the home side's bowlers.

Ruardean went into the game missing several key players with both bat and ball but captain Martin Symonds said: "The better side won."

He added: "We've been in and around the top three and we'll be looking to progress – there's a lot more cricket left this season."

The club is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year and a match pitting present against past players is planned for August 25.

Ruardean has also clinched a sponsorship deal with Kilcot-based BuildBase.

For more information about the anniversary call Martin Symonds on 0785 0944352 or Phil Fisher on 077669 72350.