BINFIELD CC returned to winning ways in the Chilterns League Division One with an exciting two-wicket victory at home to White Waltham, writes Richard Ashton.

The hosts made an excellent start with Mike Staves and Tim Vines (2-37) taking three early wickets to leave White Waltham in trouble.

Luke Beard (67) and Matthew Earl rebuilt the innings, but they lacked support from the lower order and the visitors were eventually dismissed for 146.

Eddie Lee (4-39) and Phil Davies (3-14) were the chief destroyers for Binfield with the ball.

The Binfield reply started in solid fashion as Mikey Allan-Canty and Chris Morgan took the score to 32.

However, three quick wickets left the home side in trouble on 49-3, meaning Sean Ennis (pictured above) and Staves were forced to steady the ship.

They took the score to 86 before Staves became the first of Cloudesley Long’s (3-27) victims, and when Peter Hicks, Lee, Greg Simmonds and Paul Edgington all fell for single figures the tension was high with Binfield 123-8.

However, Ennis (56no) completed an outstanding captain’s innings, and with the aid of the experienced Tim Vines, took his side to a second win in four matches from the third ball of the 39th over.

Binfield face a tough trip to early-season pacesetters Taplow on Saturday (1pm), the league leaders having won all four of their games so far.

In Division Two, Binfield 2nds remain at the foot of the table after their game at Amersham Hill was abandoned.

The home side had been reduced to 137-5 after 41 overs when the rain arrived, Adam Carson having taking 3-37 during an excellent 13-over spell.

Binfield lost by two wickets in their friendly at home to Taplow on Sunday.

Four early wickets left the home team in disarray, but Vines showed his quality with the bat to complete an impressive half century.

He was eventually dismissed for 60, but useful cameos from Edgington, Cameron Davies and Neil Jones helped Binfield to a defendable 137 all out.

Ian Goddard (2-51) took two early wickets to leave the visitors rocking, but opener Ben Dalglish (46) put them on course for victory with a fine innings.

He was aided by an innings of 45 from Joe Heaton, and despite Vines (2-5) and Will Guest (2-21) bowling well, Taplow were able to secure victory after 38.2 overs.