NEWBURY CC rose to third in the Thames Valley League Division 3a table following a seven-wicket victory at Cove 2nds, writes Max Baker-Smith.

The visitors took wickets at regular intervals with Sat Pal (6-41) proving too much for the Cove batsmen as they were bowled out for 148.

In reply Newbury lost two early wickets, but Stuart Goodard (41) steadied the ship with Dan Harris (61no), the later seeing his side home with Pal (17no) in a comfortable victory.

Newbury host Reading 2nds this coming Saturday (1pm).

Danny Williams top scored with 84 as Falkland 2nds (244-8) drew with Eversley 2nds (172-8). Captain Graham Beal (4-43, pictured) was the pick of the hosts’ attack as they were denied victory.

In Division One, Falkland could only manage a losing draw at Yateley.

The home side posted 244, but Paul Jenkins (76) showed good resistance for Falkland as they managed to hold out on 187-8.

Falkland will be hosting Marlow on Saturday (1pm).

Mid-table Thatcham Town lost by six wickets at Henley 2nds in Division 2b.

The visitors struggled to 26-3 after Zac Jones (3-44) took two early wickets, but Steven Bartholomew (48) and Tom Mahoney (52) led a recovery for Thatcham before they were eventually bowled out for 202.

Duncan Johnson’s men started the second innings well as Henley collapsed to 32-3, but Dave Allaway (92no) played a superb innings to make sure the table-toppers reached their target, ably supported at the end by young Will Legg (52no).

Thatcham host High Wycombe 2nds this Saturday (1pm).

In Division 4b, Thatcham Town 2nds drew with Cookham Dean 2nds.

Clive Lambden (91) led Cookham to 209, and in reply Thatcham seemed in trouble at 51-7.

However, they managed to recover to 145-8 and salvage a draw thanks to Simon Lewis (49no) and Mike Green (21no).

Falkland 3rds (242-9) defeated Royal Ascot 2nds (192) by 50 runs in Division 5b.

Thatcham Town 3rds beat Maidenhead & Bray 3rds by 23 runs in Division 7a.

Having totalled 191, Will Harwood took 4-7 as Maidenhead and Bray 3rds were bowled out for 168.

Newbury 2nds continued their push for promotion in Division 8a with a three-wicket victory against Windsor 4ths.

Andy Doree (67) led Windsor 4ths to 234-4 declared, but in-form Mike Beaumont (103) played an innings of real substance as his side reached 235-7 to secure victory.

In Division 9a, Newbury 3rds also recorded a victory to complete a good weekend for the club as they overcame Cove 5ths by four wickets.

Roger Thornton (5-42) helped dismiss Cove for 165, before Chris Butt (31no) and Ravindra Sridhara (39no) took their side over the line in the 42nd over.

Thatcham 4ths (229) earned a winning draw against Yateley 4ths (168-8).