This South Notts Division B encounter between Long Eaton and Flintham was a must win game for both teams.

The match was reduced to 40 overs per side due to rain.

With Long Eaton needing to win to avoid relegation, they won the toss and chose to insert a strong Flintham batting line-up looking to maintain its promotion push.

Flintham got off to a fast start with Tom Southall making 56 and James Taylor 62 in an opening stand of 111.

A rain interruption for 40 minutes slowed the outfield, and despite a belligerent 59 not out from Ben Hughes, Flintham posted a par score of 226 for 3.

After nine overs, Long Eaton were in trouble at 27 for 3.

But a match winning partnership of 161 between the veteran Brett Scothern, 115 not out, and James Flower, 52, gave Long Eaton their much-needed win, with one ball to spare, winning by three wickets.

The Helliwell brothers, Tom and Will, took five of the seven wickets to fall.

Flintham cannot now get automatic promotion to Division A and must wait to see if three teams are promoted this season.

To do this, they must secure at least three points from their final game at home to West Bridgfordians.

Captain, JJ Arthur, said after the match:

“We are hugely disappointed to lose the game after having been in such a strong position, but, as a young side, with the bulk of our overs bowled by players aged 20 to 24, we take much confidence and pride from the fight shown and will learn from the loss.

“We’ve had a really encouraging first year in Division B, being in the race for promotion for most of the season against some of largest and most established clubs in the county.

“We will continue to build the club and squad over the next few years. We are on a journey, and we’re having fun.”

Flintham Second XI who suffered a devastating loss last Saturday and thought their promotion challenge was over, were not in action this week.

However, their victors of last week were themselves beaten this week which makes for an interesting season finish.

With the current Division N leaders are also seeking promotion, the three teams will all be hoping for a win on Saturday to try to gain the maximum 20 points to ensure playing in a higher division next season.