FALKLAND CC’s Thames Valley League Division One campaign started in disappointing fashion as they lost by eight wickets on the Duckworth/Lewis method at home to Cove, writes Richard Ashton.

Hamza Riazuddin (47), Will Langmead (40) and James Bird (37) set a solid platform for the home side, but they lacked significant support from the middle order and closed on 213-9 off 45 overs.

Set a revised 215 to win, the game was in the balance with Cove on 75-2, but Nicholas Farr (114no) and Stanley Marisa (57no) shared an unbroken stand of 140 to hustle their side to victory in just 31 overs.

Falkland face a tough trip to Kew this coming Saturday (1pm).

In Division 2b, Thatcham Town beat Royal Ascot by four wickets at Brownsfield Road.

Jack Kendall (36) top scored in the visitors’ total of 203-9, while Chris Bird (5-43), Josh O’Flynn (2-41) and John Williams (2-42) shone with the ball.

O’Flynn (43) gave his side a useful start and Jack Williams (46) furthered their momentum, before John Williams finished the job with an unbeaten 30. Andy Murray (4-40) was Ascot’s most successful bowler.

Thatcham visit Beaconsfield this coming Saturday (1pm).

Newbury’s first game of the Division 3a season ended in defeat after a narrow three-wicket at Eversley.

After captain Kevin Mills won the toss and elected to bat, Newbury started well, reaching 101-2 with Charlie Anstey (59) and Stuart Goddard (56) stroking half-centuries.

However, Newbury failed to capitalise fully as wickets tumbled, with the away side finishing on 212 all out from 47.2 overs despite promising starts from the middle order. Sam Glaze took 6-67.

Eversley’s reply began in shaky fashion as Newbury grabbed wickets at crucial intervals, even with Jack Ford (59) attempting to hold the innings together for the home team.

When Newbury reduced Eversley to 98-5, with another 115 runs to get, the game looked to be swinging towards Kevin Mills’ side.

However, a superb counter-attacking sixth wicket partnership of 71 between Matt Martin (68) and captain Matt Salter (25) brought their side to within touching distance of victory, which was then secured thanks to some late hitting from Sas Madina (19no).

Newbury host Aldershot this Saturday (1pm).