SKIPPER Ian Simpson was the hero of the hour as he made a fine 42 not out to earn Longridge a win over Great Eccleston that keeps them in touch with the Moore and Smalley Premier Division title race.

After Dan Wilkinson’s 47 got their chase of Great Eccleston’s 217-8 off to a good start, Longridge started to lose wickets and it took Simpson and Kyle Helm (21 not out) to see them home.

Hoghton stay rooted in the drop zone after their loss to BAC/EE and White Coppice’s Division One promotion hopes were hit as they lost at home to Great Eccleston seconds.