Toppling stuff at the top

THE race for the Morrant Thames Valley League Division Three A title will go the distance after another weekend of twists and turns.

Thatcham thought their hopes had gone when they crashed to a 26 run defeat against relegation threatened Wokingham II, but their pain was eased as leaders Royal Ascot lost to Cove II and Aldershot, another of the threats, went down to Purley.

Falkland II had a chance to stake their claim, but they went down to Newbury in their derby meeting.

Jon Williams ripped out 7-27 as Thatcham dismissed Wokingham for a modest 141, but their response was a dismal 115 all out inside 31 overs.

But Purley denied Aldershot the chance to assume second spot with their 21 run win, and Ascot’s 151 total was overhauled by Cove II with plenty to spare.

Falkland II posted 251-2 in only 45 overs against Newbury with Jim Ettridge making an unbeaten 120, but there was no neighbourly goodwill as Ed Uden’s unbeaten 73 saw Newbury reach 252-8 in the 55th of the extra batting overs granted to them.

Falkland were condemned to a 69-run defeat by Division One leaders Kew and now find themselves seventh in the table, albeit separated from the top spot by only 32 points.

Hamza Riazuddin took 5-29 to dismiss Kew for a modest 165, but Falkland were shot out for only 96 in reply.