Their seven points from their defeat to Haywards Heath last Saturday moved them three points closer to third-bottom Worthing, who are 20 points clear of them, but lost by one-wicket to Roffey on Saturday.

Steyning, who were relegated from the Premier Division last year, are able to take a maximum of just 60 points with two games left, but that may not be enough now.

Steyning captain Andy Stillwell said: "If we'd won on Saturday, we would have moved level on points with Worthing. But, now, they are still 20 points above us, so we need to win our last two games.

Saturday is must win. If we don't, I think we all know what will happen.

"And St James know a draw against us will be enough to keep them up, so they don't have to go for the win."

Steyning twice let Heath get out of difficult situations, which enabled them move up to second place.

Three quick Brian Scholtz wickets reduced Heath to 140-6, but they recovered to finish on 213-7. Then, Steyning were 140-3, and needed 74 to win from 18 overs, but they collapsed to 162 all out.

Heath skipper Steve Kingcome hit 41, George Martin 30 and Joe Mennie 28, but it was a league-best 45, down the order, from Steve Gould that lifted their total.

Stillwell top-scored with 81 in Steyning's innings, and Gary Hunt struck 30, before Steyning folded as paceman Hayden James took six wickets for 49 runs. Spinner Simon Teesdale also grabbed three wickets.

Stillwell said: "We needed about five-an-over with seven wickets left from 18 overs but just collapsed, and that's been the theme of our season.

"We just don't grasp the big vital points during a game, and that's why we are where we are in the table. It's not because we are worse cricketers. The important thing is to learn when the crucial points are, and to hold our nerve in the last two games."

-------------------------------------
Click here to go back to Shoreham sport.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: steve.bailey@worthingherald.co.uk