Mongia fails to turn tide

In a bid to avoid relegation East Grinstead added India one-day specialist Dinesh Mongia to their line up but it was not enough to avoid another defeat in the Sussex Premier Cricket League.

Mongia, 31, who has played 57 one-day internationals for India made 59 and took 3-82 for East Grinstead in their match against Hastings but he failed to reverse their unhappy form after they fell 18 runs short of the 236 for seven target.

After nine matches, they have recorded just one win with four defeats and four draws.

James Beeny struck 85 to keep Hastings in contention in second place, eight points behind leaders Horsham who managed a draw against Three Bridges in a rain affected match at home.

Michael Shaw (78), Danny Alderman (75), Mark Newell (51) and Richard Webber (42) filled their boots for Bridges to post an intimidating 270 for seven declared with Horsham's Ansar Javed (4-48) and Will Beer (3-95) doing their best to stem the flow of runs.

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In reply Horsham reached 185 for six, including 71 from Michael Thornely when the rain arrived to stymie any further progress. Mo Ali finihsed with 3-64 while Jigga Parekh took 2-52.

Brighton & Hove's poor form continued with an eight wicket defeat at the hands of Preston Nomads, who now lie in fourth place. Skipper Patrick Spencer hit 55 but his side could only muster 117 all out as Stephen Rigg and Owen Kernan cleaned up with seven wickets in seven overs.

Nomads lost two wickets early on but Joe Gatting (29 not out) and Jeremy Green (66 not out) ensured no further mishaps.

Chichester were bowled out for 127 but still managed to inflict defeat over Eastbourne who crashed to 107 all out.

Sussex regulars Ollie Rayner and Ragheb Aga gave the visitors hope with a superb bowling performance but Eastbourne's batters found Steve Sedgeley (4-23) asking too many tricky questions and there were two wickets apiece for Gary Austerberry and James Stedman.

Jason Oates had a day to remember by belting a nine declared against Stirlands, who hung out for the draw with Sean Heather making 86 in their reply of 193 for eight.