Peel & St John’s won the big match at the top of the Isle of Man Premiership on Saturday when they beat leaders Cronkbourne by 47 runs.

Batting first the Saints lost an early wicket before Chris Hawke and Phil Littlejohns came together for a stand of 93. With the total on 127, Littlejohns fell for 52 as the Tromode bowlers struck. Jaco Jansen and Luke Lacey each took three wickets to keep the final score down to 207 for 7. Hawke was out for a fine 70 which included 6 fours and 2 sixes.

In reply Cronkbourne were soon in trouble to a fierce attack from Akkie van den Berg and Dan Hawke. They lost four batsmen for 32 but then Max Stokoe and Jansen fought back. They put on 62 before Jansen departed, but Stokoe battled on. He gave his side hope with an outstanding 88 before falling to a fine catch at deep square leg by Tom Gascoyne.

The Tromode side needed 80 runs to win from the last ten overs, but it was not to be. Sam Kebble hit out for a bright 16, but the innings ended on 160 to give Peel and St John’s victory in a game they had to win to keep in the title chase.

They are now just three points behind Cronkbourne, but both teams will be looking over their shoulders at Crosby. The Marown club defeated Valkyres by 75 runs and are only one point behind the Saints.

Crosby made an impressive 267 for 4 with Ricky Kniveton hitting 91, which included 13 boundaries. Brother Danny cracked 63 (nine boundaries) and Ross Berry showed his batting skills with an undefeated 44.

Valkyres were then hit by some great bowling from Dave Picken (5 -34) and Stu Morris (4 -34). Chris Langford cracked an excellent 50 not out, but the side ended on 192 to lose by 75 runs.

Castletown won a very close game at home against Ramsey. The southern side finished on 174 for 7, mainly thanks to Garreth Roome striking a sparkling 73. Rob Webber made 40 as the northern club chased the runs. However in a tense finish they fell just three runs short on 171 for 9.