MAX Baker-Smith starred with bat and ball as The Oratory escaped with a four-run victory in a low-scoring thriller at Shiplake College, writes Richard Ashton.

The visitors’ top order crumbled during a disastrous start, crashing to 26-5 before Baker-Smith averted a complete capitulation.

He batted through until lunch, but after striking two boundaries in the afternoon session, was eventually dismissed for an outstanding 40.

However, The Oratory tail failed to wag, and they were eventually bowled out for an under-par 89, albeit on a wicket offering assistance to the bowlers.

Baker-Smith tore into the Shiplake batting line-up to give his side a chance, recording outstanding figures of 5-16 with his lethal combination of swing and seam as the hosts crashed to 50-5.

Left-arm spinner Chris Humphries then took over, holding his nerve with a wonderful spell of 4-15 as Shiplake slumped to 85 all out and a dramatic defeat.

  • BRADFIELD College recorded an excellent five-wicket win in their home game against Marlborough College.

Gus Atkinson made an early breakthrough for the home side, but Marlborough passed 50 for the loss of just one wicket.

However, from there they suffered a disastrous batting collapse, going from 51-1 to 104 all out.

Charlie Gwynn (4-16 off 10 overs) and Atkinson (4-22 off eight) were the pick of the Bradfield attack, with the other wickets falling to Seb Waddington and Ollie Simpson.

Four of the hosts’ top five reached double figures in reply, although Rahul Patel’s 19 was the highest score.

However, chasing a moderate total, they were able to seal the win in just 25.5 overs.

  • READING Blue Coat School have a busy cricketing week ahead of them.

They are due to play their annual game against the MCC today (11.30am), before receiving a visit from West Indian cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers tomorrow.

They then welcome the XL Club to Sonning for a fixture next Monday.