Hamza sees Falkland over the line

Thatcham downed at home by relegation rivals

FORMER Hampshire all-rounder Hamza Riazuddin guided Falkland to a six wicket win over Kew that cemented their mid-table place in Division One of the Morrant Thames Valley League.

He bagged two early wickets to leave the visitors’ innings in trouble and later contributed an unbeaten 82 to secure victory with overs to spare.

His 3-40 was followed by spells of 3-14 frorm veteran Nigel Trumper and 2-28 from Daminda Kolugula as Kew were dismissed for 157, and after Falkland had seen off some early wobbles, Riazuddin’s unbeaten 82 and 42 from Will Langmead set them on the way to their target and 25 points.

Thatcham remain dangerously close to the Division Two B drop zone after their 117 run home defeat at the hands of relegation rivals Beaconsfield.

The visitors posted 262-2 in their 52 overs with David Heavyside (74 not out), Jason Harrison (70), Nilesh Odedra (57 not out) and Adam Francis (43) all getting on top of the attack.

Thatcham’s batsmen faltered in response with only Jack Young (41) and Peter Spriggs (34) making any headway as they were bowled out for 145 with seven overs to spare, Mark Sullivan claiming 5-30.

Newbury held on for a draw at second-placed Aldershot in Division Three A.

Chasing the home side’s 248-6 declared off 46 overs, Newbury survived for 54 overs to make 192-8 with Stuart Goddard scoring 47 and Charlie Anstey 42 to add to his earlier 4-81 return.

Falkland II went down by 84 runs at Purley where Andrew Jackson’s unbeaten 80 made the difference for the home side.