FALKLAND CC played out an exciting draw with fellow mid-table side Wokingham in their Thames Valley League Division One clash on Saturday, writes Oscar Beardmore-Gray.

Batting first, Falkland racked up 236-9 off 52 overs, with former Hampshire man Hamza Riazuddin holding the innings together with 74.

Cameron Spence (3-63) and Paul Dewick (4-65) bowled well but Wokingham would still require a strong batting performance to avoid defeat.

The Oaks’ middle order did what was necessary, Riazuddin’s former county colleague Michael Bates (44), Stuart Hayter (27) and Daniel Reddyhough (43) all digging in to ensure Wokingham escaped with a draw.

Daminda Kolugula picked up 4-42 but Falkland were left frustrated as the hosts survived, finishing on 227-9.

Thatcham suffered a comprehensive 120-run defeat to Hurst in Division 2b.

After winning the toss and deciding to bat, Hurst managed 189 in 51.2 overs, Lewis Smith top-scoring with a magnificent 89.

In reply, Thatcham were blown away for just 69 with Phil Higgs capping off a man-of-the-match performance with 8-21.

Hurst travel to High Wycombe 2nds on Saturday (1pm).

Newbury endured a frustrating draw with Falkland 2nds in Division 3a. Newbury posted their highest total of the season of 213-7 off 52 overs thanks to 62 from Sat Pal and 80* from Stuart Goddard.

Falkland started their innings well reaching 55-0, but then began to lose wickets. Kevin Mills (5-38) bowled brilliantly but Newbury were denied victory as their opponents closed on 159-9 off their 48 overs, Jack Chapman making 39 and Andy Jones 36.

Thatcham 2nds recorded a resounding victory over North Maidenhead 2nds in Division 4b.

The Maids innings lasted 32.4 overs but they could only manage 105, Tristan Allen the pick of the bowlers with 3-20. Thatcham had few problems chasing the small target, Stephen Bird hitting 46 not out as they won by seven wickets.

Falkland 3rds remain bottom of Division 5b despite beating closest rivals Aldershot 2nds by five wickets.

Aldershot made a solid 210-6 off 52 overs although Peter Randall bowled well for his 4-79.

Falkland then batted superbly to chase down the total, Ben Thomas (75) and Sunil Sharma (83) getting Falkland to their target.

In Division 7a, Thatcham 3rds (185-8) had the better of their draw against Bracknell 2nds (163-8).

The match between Newbury 2nds and Kew 4ths was forfeited by Kew to give the hosts maximum points in Division 8a.

Thatcham 4ths’ game was forfeited by Wargrave 3rds, keeping them top of Division 9a by six points.

Newbury 3rds convincingly beat bottom-placed Maidenhead & Bray 4ths by 94 runs.

Newbury made 157-9 in 47 overs before bowling out Maidenhead for a measly 63 to leave Newbury in sixth place.

In the Wintech Berkshire Cricket League Division Four, Falkland Development (206-7) eased past Emmbrook & Bearwood 3rds (105) by 101 runs.