EIGHT-man JUBRFC dented St John’s Division II title hopes last night with victory off the last ball at FB1.

Requiring two to win off the final ball, St John batsman Rob Sanford attempted to beat the close field but he skied the ball and was caught by John Mackintosh.

‘It was a great game, we fielded brilliantly,’ said JUBRFC skipper Nick Symonds.

Damien Noble took a hat-trick for St John, the first wicket caught and the other two bowled.

Nick Scott batted well for the parish club with three boundaries before he was bowled for 49 by John Breeze, who picked up three wickets.

Solid Jamie Mackintosh held JUBRFC’s innings together with a solid 53 including one 6 and five boundaries.

St John’s Rob English said: ‘It’s a set back to our championship hopes but it’s not over yet.

JUBRFC fielded very well and they took their catches.

We didn’t – I think we dropped about seven chances.

‘Nine runs from the last over I thought we were going to win but unfortunately Rob skied the last ball and we lost by one run.’ St Helier RFC took full advantage of St John’s defeat by moving six points clear at the top – Mick Poulter’s side defeating Hautlians at FB3 by five wickets.

Teenager Martin Higgins (44) and skipper Kenny McLean (42) were in good form, leading Hautlians to 128 for 3 in 14 overs.

In reply, St Helier reached their target for the loss of five wickets but with 14 balls to spare.

Chris Searson (51 not out) and Nolli (32) top-scored for the winners.

Jersey Academicals joined St John on 30 points after they defeated Securicor by nine wickets on FB2.

Skipper Steve Dewhurst hit an unbeaten 59 for the winners, together with taking two wickets and two catches.

Gareth Bayley assisted with 37 while Securicor’s 110 all out included 35 runs from Nick Reynolds.