St John’s are now the clear leaders of the Standard Bank Premiership after a brilliant 94 not out from Arne van der Berg helped them defeat main rivals Ramsey in a great game at Mullen-e-Cloie.

With both Cronkbourne and Castletown falling to surprise losses, the Saints are now in poll position to take the title.

Ramsey made a good start to the match, running up 268 from their fifty overs as Marc Pons-Burt hit 84 and Eddie Cleator returned 46.

Heavy rain then kept the players off the field and St John’s were left a target of 252 from 47 overs.

They lost two quick wickets and at 61 for 4 the match seemed over until van der Berg entered and produced an amazing innings, defying the bowlers, smashing the ball all round the pitch.

At 228 for 7 the result was still in the balance, but more lusty blows from the St John’s all-rounder settled the issue.

In the south, Castletown were pinned down to 179 for 7 when their innings closed against Crosby.

Then Danny Kniveton with 76 not out and Simon Watson, who cracked 40, helped the Marown side to victory by four wickets.

At Tromode, Cronkbourne were dismissed for 153 by a determined Loaghtyn team. Steve Slack made 33 and Harry Rothwell spun his way to 3 for 32.

In reply, Gareth Dawson made a gritty 59 as, in a tense finish, the Rams by won four wickets.