Dragons' victory puts them back on top of NUL

Glamorgan Dragons have taken another step towards the Norwich Union League Division One title with a five-wicket victory over Nottinghamshire Outlaws at Colwyn Bay.

An unbroken partnership of 54 for the sixth wicket between Dragons' skipper Steve James and young 'keeper Mark Wallace took the home side to victory, and a two point lead over Worcestershire Royals at the top of the table. The Outlaws' place in division one is now held by a thread.

James, playing the anchor role with a determined 54 not out, and 20-year-old Wallace, came together with their side wobbling on 173-5 in pursuit of the Outlaws' 226-7 from their 45 overs. Wallace finished unbeaten on a 32-ball 37.

Earlier Ian Thomas hit a fine 64 - his second half-century in the competition this year - to ensure a good start for the Dragons. But when he fell with the score on 111, and Matthew Maynard followed shortly afterwards, the game was in the balance.

However, James' third half-century in the competition this season, and Wallace's best effort of the year took the Dragons to victory in front of a delighted home crowd.

It was a brave effort from the Outlaws. They had set a competitive total based around contributions from the experienced Darren Bicknell (51 from 72 balls) and the youth of the in-form Bilal Shafayat (48 from 52 balls) after winning the toss and deciding to bat.

The control of Adrian Dale (nine overs, 3-29) was the main stumbling block for the Outlaws. His medium-pace snared three vital wickets in Bicknell, Nicky Boje and the potentially destructive Kevin Pietersen as the visitors became bogged down in the middle of their innings.

Useful late hitting from Paul Franks and Stephen Randall gave the Outlaws total a boost, but the force is with the Dragons and their game against Royals next week has all the look of a title decider.