Bognor skipper Andy McGregor won the toss and elected to bat.

Pagham's opening bowlers showed great control, Matt Colban and Will Rolls swinging the ball effectively.

Glenn West was first to go, given out lbw to Rolls, which seemed harsh as not even the bowler appealed. That triggered a mini collapse, leaving Bognor 26 for six.

James Fallick and Damikka Perera came together and Fallick took the attack to Pagham, despatching them to all parts of the Oval. Fallick was out for his highest county league score of 63.

Fallick and Perera's partnership of 86 gave the home bowlers something to bowl at, and Bognor were finally all out for 135.

McGregor led like a true captain, and can take credit for not letting his team think defeat was possibile.

Perera bowled a fast and hostile spell and should have had Rolls first ball, but the decision went the batter's way.

This seemed to fire up the Sri Lankan and he went through the Pagham top order. Only Rolls and Colban offered any resistance.

While Perera blasted away, Kevin McGuigan spun Pagham out of the game at the other end.

But it was fitting Perera removed the last Pagham batsman, leaving the visitors 113 all out – 22 short of their target.

Both teams will look to the return fixture in August.

Also in division three west, Goring have been the surprise package of the new county league – and they showed why in a draw against Middleton.

Middleton lost both openers with only six on the board. Stuart Nelmes and Neil Pacey put together a 50 partnership, then Jack Lerwill smashed his third ball for a huge six but perished next ball.

Brandon Hanley led a recovery, backed by Chris Spedding, Mark Carroll and Matt Warren to get Middleton to a score of 192.

Middleton's bowlers struggled for rhythm early on but Aaron Madgewick claimed the first wicket and Matt Hansford slowed the runs and picked up three quick wickets.

Goring slumped to 126 for six but the evergreen Pete Rebera made 45 not out after being dropped to secure the draw.