Glendermott stayed top of the table and moved another step closer to the title and promotion with a hard-earned 24-run victory over Ardmore in difficult conditions.

After a week of rain, scoring was never easy and Glendermott had to scrap for every run before reaching 152.

The defining partnership came after they had slipped to 47 for three, with Craig Averill and captain Ted Britton adding 86 for the fourth wicket.

Averill made a patient 41 from 103 balls while Britton struck five fours in his 40, the pair giving the innings the substance it desperately needed.

Ardmore bowled well but will rue a costly 32 extras, including 24 wides — exactly the margin by which they were ultimately beaten.

Chasing 153, Ardmore also found conditions tough.

Bobby Brolly dug in for 46 from 129 balls and Sabin Kaleeckal Babu made 31, but Glendermott steadily squeezed the life from the chase.

Britton completed an excellent all-round performance with three for 14 from 10 overs, including four maidens, while Averill claimed three for 24.

Ardmore were eventually dismissed for 128.

It was not pretty, but for Glendermott it was another crucial victory as the league leaders now face a home clash with fellow title hopefuls Bonds Glen next Saturday.

Before play there was a minutes silence in memory of former Ardmore player Hugh McDermott who will be buried in England on Monday.