FALKLAND CC jumped to fifth in the Thames Valley League Division One table following a six-wicket home win against Kew, writes Richard Ashton.

Hamza Riazuddin (3-40) and Paul Jenkins ripped through the visitors’ top order to leave them struggling on 14-3, although solid contributions from the Kew middle order gave them something to bowl at.

Nigel Trumper (3-14) and Daminda Kologula (2-28) continued to wheel away for Falkland, however, and they eventually bowled the Londoners out for 157 in 41 overs.

Craig Williams and James Bird both fell cheaply to Edward Taylor as the hosts crashed to 9-2, but a majestic unbeaten 82 from former Hampshire man Riazuddin – allied to a useful 42 from Will Langmead – set Falkland on course for a comfortable victory which was achieved in 38.1 overs.

Falkland host Boyne Hill on Saturday (1pm).

Thatcham Town slipped nearer the Division 2b relegation zone after they were thumped by 117 runs at fellow strugglers Beaconsfield.

Openers Adam Francis (43) and Jason Harrison (70) gave the hosts a solid platform until they were dismissed by George Armstrong and John Williams respectively, but Nilesh Odedra (57no) and David Heavyside (74no) kept the momentum going as Beaconsfield posted 262-2.

And with the exception of Jack Young (41) and Peter Spriggs (34), the Thatcham batsmen struggled against Mark Sullivan (5-30) and Odedra (3-28), eventually being bowled out for 145.

Thatcham Town visit Burnham 2nds this Saturday (1pm).

Charlie Anstey impressed with bat and ball as Newbury held on for a draw against Division 3a promotion-chasers Aldershot.

He claimed 4-81 in the hosts’ total of 248-6, which was made in 46 overs before the declaration arrived.

Stuart Goddard (47) and Anstey (42) then showed their resolve to earn a draw, Newbury closing on 192-8 in 54 overs.

Newbury host Finchampstead 3rds this coming Saturday (1pm).

Purley-on-Thames (228-6) beat Falkland 2nds (144) by 84 runs.

In Division 4b, Thatcham Town 2nds lost by 47 runs at Farnham Royal.

Perry Moore (5-56) and Nick Bishop (4-30) did the damage as the hosts were bowled out for 163, but Steven Bartholomew (44) and Tom Mahoney (41) were the only Thatcham players to make double figures as they were shot out for 116.

Falkland 3rds (158-7) ground out a draw at Reading 3rds (274-4) in Division 5b.

Thatcham Town 3rds (156) lost by 83 runs to runaway Division 7a leaders Finchampstead 4ths (239-9 declared).

A club record opening partnership of 276 between Vivek Srivastava (135no) and Mike Beaumont (123no) paved the way for Newbury 2nds to have the better of their Division 8a draw against Royal Ascot 4ths (234-7).

In Division 9a, Thatcham Town 4ths (159) lost to Boyne Hill 4ths (163-4) by six wickets, while Newbury 3rds (76) were thrashed by 10 wickets by Wokingham 5ths (78-0).