Steelbacks' promotion hopes dented by Eagles

Northamptonshire Steelbacks' promotion hopes were dealt a blow as Essex Eagles secured a four-wicket victory at Colchester in division two of the Norwich Union League.

A tight bowling performance from the Eagles restricted the Steelbacks to just 167-8 from their 45 overs, with only Mal Loye (33) and Jeff Cook (31) progressing beyond 30. John Stephenson was the pick of the attack with 3-21 from six overs, but all the Eagles bowlers performed well.

In reply Andy Flower showed all his experience in hitting an unbeaten 57 with just two boundaries to settle the home side's nerves after a mid-innings wobble had threatened their dominance.

The Eagles, having played a game or two fewer than some of their rivals, cannot be discounted as promotion candidates.

Elsewhere a brisk 94 from Michael Di Venuto helped Derbyshire Scorpions to a 32-run victory over Middlesex Crusaders at Lord's. Di Venuto helped the visitors to an imposing 243-8 from their 45 overs, with good support from Nathan Dumelow (47 in 47 balls).

Dominic Cork then produced a miserly spell (9-2-16-1) to restrict the Crusaders as they began their reply.

Andy Strauss held the key for the hosts, but when he fell for 70 with the score on 109, his team-mates were unable to sustain the challenge and fell well short of their target.

The Scorpions retain a place as promotion outsiders, while the Crusaders are left with little but pride to play for.

Meanwhile in the top division a crushing eight-wicket victory for Warwickshire Bears realistically condemned Somerset Sabres to life in the second division next year.

The Bears were grateful for the all-round excellence of Shaun Pollock (4-36 and 43 not out) and Dominic Ostler's powerful 77 not out (from 66 balls with 11 fours) as they easily overhauled the Sabres under-par 188 all out.

Earlier Somerset's Ian Blackwell (51) and Jamie Cox (64) ensured that the home team had some sort of total to defend, as none of their colleagues could manage a double-figure contribution.

But 188 was never enough and the Bears sustained their slim hopes of adding the NUL trophy to their B & H success earlier in the season, winning with fully 10 overs to spare.