Decisive home wins for Peel and St John’s, Crosby and Cronkbourne saw the former consolidate first place in Isle of Man Cricket Association’s Premiership on Saturday.

Peel secured the full 20 points for a nine-wicket win over Valkyres that maintained their narrow five-point lead over second-placed Crosby.

The westerners won the toss and elected to field and, although Muhammad Salman provided some resistance with a rapid 78 from only 67 balls, wickets fell steadily at the other end.

Salman was eventually last man out in the away side’s total of 160.

Brendan Bennett was the pick of the P&SJ bowlers with four wickets, while Kieran Cawke and Ollie Webster chipped in with a brace each.

The Saints comfortably passed Valkryes’ total for the loss of only one wicket, with Webster smashing a century from only 52 balls and reached his ton with his third six of the innings which also included 12 fours.

Crosby kept up the pressure on Peel at the top of the table with a comfortable win against Finch Hill.

After winning the toss and putting the away side into bat, Crosby got off to the best possible start with an early brace for Chris Langford which included bowling Sam Barnett with the first ball of the match.

Brothers Joe and George Burrows repaired some of the damage with a stand of 48 before Jacob Butler trapped George and Langford accounted for Joe which ended Finch Hill resistance.

They were eventually all out for 85, with Langford’s four for 26 the best figures for the home side although Jacob Butler also recorded a miserly three for five.

Crosby’s openers Jamie Brown (41) and Martin Oates (29) posted 77 for the first wicket and, although Finch Hill took three quick wickets, it was left to Langford to hit the winning run.

After a positive start in their match against Cronkbourne at Tromode, Castletown’s innings fell apart. Openers Harvey Turner and Richard Jackson reached 74 before Turner was out to Jordan Chatt and shortly after Jackson was run out by Nathan Williams.

Crosby wrapped up the innings by taking the last five Castletown wickets for the addition of only 14 runs.

The home side’s openers - Adam McCauley and Nathan Knights - both recorded half-centuries in an opening stand of 112 and, although Knights was out for 61, Crosby secured a nine-wicket win.

l In Division One, Castletown’s two sides enjoyed mixed fortunes at King William’s College.

The second team came up against a strong Peel and St John’s outfit who recorded 277 from their 30 overs.

Opener Juan Bellando retired on 100, while Tim Evans was only four short - bowled by Jeff Butler.

Castletown posted a spirited response, with Sam Newson leading the fight with a century, but Evans kept the response in check with three wickets.

Castletown’s third team beat Cronkbourne in a close match with half-centuries for Paul Osbourn and Greg Tomlinson and an unbeaten 25 from Thomas Ackron ultimately securing a 13-run win.

l This weekend’s matches see Valkyres heading to Cronkbourne, Ramsey will host Finch Hill while Crosby have the chance to go top with a home game against Castletown with Peel and St John’s not playing.

The second team came up against a strong Peel and St John’s outfit who recorded 277 from their 30 overs.