Matt Tinsley’s career best bowling figures of 7-21 secured White Coppice 1st XI’s vital 12-point win against Eccleston 2nd XI.
The win was Jake Smalley side’s 13th league victory of a remarkable season and cemented his side’s second place as they chase promotion.
Table-toppers Preston Strikers are 10 points clear with a game in hand but, crucially, Coppice are 31 points ahead of third-placed Leyland 3rd XI.
Strikers and Leyland play each other next week in a crucial game for the fate of both sides – and Coppice.
On Saturday, the visitors’ captain Ian Schofield won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first fresh from hitting 81 last week against Walton-le-Dale.
However, he lasted just five balls when he had his leg stump knocked back by a beauty from Richard Bush for two.
His fellow opener Dave Hewson hit Tinsley for a straight four and a six over wide mid-off but perished with one big shot too many to be bowled for 10.
Former Leyland player Peter Cummings batted at four and immediately went on the attack against Bush with a run-a-ball 27, with five fours and a six.
However, his attacking intent was his undoing when he holed out off Tinsley to a good catch by Bush at long-on.
Peter Baxendale was then bowled first call to leave Tinsley on a hat-trick and Eccleston’s innings in tatters at 42-5.
Tinsley ended up with 7-21 off 10.3 overs, beating his previous career best figures of 6-18.
His seven-wicket haul takes him to 40 league and cup wickets for the season – with the best average and economy rate in the entire division.
Ryan Adderley got a wicket on his 34th birthday as the visitors were bundled out for 62 inside 21 overs.
In reply, Chris Maguire pulled the first ball of the innings for four before Tom Sandells dragged his second ball onto his stumps.
There were not more alarms and Bush and Maguire shared a 54-run partnership for the second wicket to take the score to 60 before the latter was caught at gully for 23 off 42 balls.
Anis Haider added another red inker to his collection by hitting the winning runs while Bush finished unbeaten on 30.
Coppice head to Thornton Cleveleys next week.