Jason Finch's team shook off the disappointment of the previous weekend's humbling at the hands of Three Bridges by gaining maximum points to close the gap on the leaders in the Premier Division.

Put into bat, Priory amassed 236-7 off 57.2 overs with James Beeny (85), Toby Finzel (44) and Chris Morris (36) top-scoring.

In reply, the hosts were dismissed for 218 as Morris (5-83) and John Morgan (3-67) enjoyed most success with the ball.

This result means Priory are now just eight points behind top dogs Horsham who were held to a draw by Three Bridges at the weekend.

Bexhill returned to the top of the Division Two table after results went their way at the weekend.

As well seeing off St James' Montefiore by five wickets, previous leaders Lewes Priory failed to pick up a single point in their nine wicket defeat at the hands of third-placed Littlehampton.

St James' were skittled out for 135 with the damage being done by Shaun Austin (6-40 off 18.3 overs) and Simon Bulteel (2-31).

Ashley Wright (45), Richard May (25), Jonathan Haffenden (24) and Austin (24) then knocked off the required runs.

Sidley are still looking for their first win despite compiling a daunting 266-9 at home to Pulborough.

Aussie Elliot Bullock hit 108 and Brad Holt weighed in with 43, but the visitors reached their target for the loss of only three wickets thanks to Rohit Jagota (100 not out) and Tom Crump (90).