It's getting closer by the match in the NUL

Leicestershire Foxes banished lingering relegation fears with a convincing five-wicket victory over Yorkshire Phoenix while among those looking likely candidates for the drop, Nottinghamshire Outlaws beat Somerset Sabres by 69 runs. In Division Two, Hampshire Hawks had a five-wicket victory over Essex Eagles and Surrey Lions had their promotion prospects dented when Derbyshire Scorpions had a four wicket win at The Oval.

Yorkshire Phoenix relied heavily on two batsmen to reach their total of 229 for six in 45 overs against Leicestershire Foxes. Matthew Elliott with 109 and Anthony McGrath (78) came together when the fourth wicket fell with the score on one, but they were not parted until there were 182 on the board. The Foxes got home with two balls to spare thanks to 85 from Darren Stevens and 60 not out from Mohammad Kaif.

Kevin Pietersen set up the Nottinghamshire Outlaws's victory over Somerset Sabres with an innings of 122 and not even the presence of Andrew Caddick in the attack could deny him his century. The bowling honours on the day went to Bilal Shafayat who took four for 35 as the Sabres were cut to pieces early on. They were 11 for four in not time at all and then, when they showed signs of a possible recovery, Shafayat stepped in to snuff it out.

There were half centuries for Andy Flower and Darren Robinson in a solid Essex Eagles batting performance but the battle of the birds went the way of Hampshire Hawks as John Francis with 84 not out and a fifty from Will Kendall took the home side home with an over to spare.

Only an innings of 78 from Mark Ramprakash held Surrey Lions together in the face of some steady bowling from the Derbyshire Scorpions attack. The total of 190, however, proved to be well within the Scorpions' reach as they got to their target in 38.5 overs with five wickets in hand. Steve Selwood was top scorer with 50.