FALKLAND CC climbed to sixth in the Thames Valley League Division One table after having the better of their draw at Cove, writes Richard Ashton.

The visitors lost three early wickets but were put back on an even keel by Jim Ettridge (50) and Saranga Rajaguru (65).

Contributions from Daminda Kolugula (38) and Mark Abrams (35) kept the momentum going, and Falkland reached 247-9 in their 52 overs.

Cove struggled against the spin of Rajaguru (2-52 off 18 overs), and were never really in the hunt for victory.

However, they were able to ensure a share of the spoils despite Jason Williams claiming 2-25.

Falkland host Kew this Saturday (1pm).

Chris Bird (5-60) was in fine form for Thatcham Town as they beat Royal Ascot by six wickets in Division 2b.

The hosts made 190-9, but that was nowhere near enough after Peter Spriggs (44) and Kieran Wood (84) got going.

Thatcham Town are at home to Beaconsfield on Saturday (1pm).

In Division 3a, Eversley 2nds lost to Newbury by 62 runs.

Joe Tucker took 4-85 for the Boars, but fine innings from Charlie Anstey (71), Rajeev Hanabe (47) and Surya Sastry (41) enabled Newbury to declare on 257-6 after 50 overs.

Aftab Habib (50) and Mike Judd (41) both showed form in the run chase, but Kevin Mills (5-71) and Anstey ultimately combined to dismiss Eversley for 195.
Newbury visit Aldershot on Saturday (1pm).