WEST Reading won their top-of-the-table Premier Division clash against Peppard Stoke Row by five wickets to move to the brink of the title, writes Max Baker-Smith.

Wests made early inroads after inserting PSR, but a good partnership between Richard Walker (34) and captain Dan Hayden (54) helped solidify their side reach a below-par 155.

Taking the old ball, left-arm spinner Chris Humphreys (2-36) continued his good form while Dion Sampson (2-52) also impressed, but Rahim Khan (62no) played a good knock after his side were 36-4 to help them to a comfortable victory.

Bottom-of-the-league Mortimer West End lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood by four wickets to worsen their relegation problems.

Andy Johnson (85) helped Mortimer reach a very competitive 219-6 – aided by Adam Telford (48) – and Johnson (3-32) then bowled well for MWE.

However, a good innings from teenager Matt Smart (73) helped take Emmbrook close to their target, before skipper Phil Wise (39no) and Matt Howarth (22no) saw them home.

Welford Park lost to Sulhamstead by 48 runs as they stay just one place above the relegation zone.

Marc Thompson (79, pictured) and Shiva Aruna (63no) scored half-centuries and took their side to 220-3 off their 45 overs, before skipper Matt Gill (6-30) led from the front to dismiss Park for 172 as the defending champions recorded only their third win of the season.

Ruislip Victoria beat Crowthorne and Crown Wood by seven wickets in a mid-table clash.

Mike Brundish (51) and Robert Crook (56) scored half centuries for Crows, but the rest of their team were blown away as they were bowled out for 187.

Naveed Maan (56) then top-scored in the run chase, but there were useful contributions from all of the top five.

Elsewhere, Woodcote beat Woodley by six wickets to stay in third place. Woodley posted 234-9 despite no batsmen making a half-century, before Micky Molloy (47no) and Graham Furber (48no) saw their side home.

Champions-elect Berkshire County Sports further extended their lead at the top of the Division One with a 14-run victory in a low-scoring game at home to Goring.

Salman Hamidi (88) got one the only score of significance for BCS, and it was a much-needed knock as they were bowled out for 144.

However, Saqib Hussain (6-22) bowled superbly to rip through the Goring batting line up as they were skittled for just 125.

Hawley beat bottom-of-the-table Stratfield Turgis by seven wickets, with the basement boys on the brink of relegation.

James Wright (60) helped Stratfield post 171-9, with Tom Heighes (4-32) bowling a tidy spell, before opener Gavin Sinclair (75) helped Hawley easily reach their total.

West Reading 2nds beat Sandhurst by three wickets to stay ahead of the Camels in second.

Michael De Villiers (64) top scored for Sandhurst as they posted 228-7, but Osman Mahmood’s 72 helped the visitors chase the score down with only an over to spare.

Ibis Mapledurham (197-8) lost to Bradfield (199-6) by four wickets as both teams stay mid-table.

Richard Pilkington (99no) was unlucky not to get a ton as his side reached 197-8, but plenty of useful contributions saw Bradfield reach their score without a great deal of difficulty.

Sulhamstead 2nds thrashed Checkendon by 117 runs.

Jason Doole (63) top scored as Sully totalled 215-7, before Matt Hill (4-29) ensured Checks were shot out for 98.

In Division Two, top-of-the-table Farley Hill could only manage a draw against Emmbrook and Bearwood 2nds.

Michael Sheridan (82) led the way as Farley amassed 231-5, but the visitors ended on 188-8.

Sandhurst 2nds remain bottom after a 94-run loss to second-placed Shinfield.

Amit Gupta (59) starred as Shinfield accumulated 253-9, before the Camels collapsed to 159 all out.

Promotion hopefuls Peppard Stoke Row 2nds drew with Earley.

Under 15 Danny May (123no) scored an outstanding ton after his side were in trouble at 7-3, as the hosts recovered to 245-7. However, Earley survived on 160-5.

Division Three leaders Twyford and Ruscombe remain top despite a 47-run defeat to Warfield.

David Wilson (56) top scored for Warfield as they reached 242-8 in their overs, and despite Stuart Barrable’s (70) best efforts, Twyford were bowled out for 195.

Bottom side Sulhamstead 3rds lost to Woodley 2nds by eight wickets.

Sully scored 200-9, but Upendra Deshpande (96) ensured the game wasn’t close as the hosts comfortably reached their target.

Welford Park 2nds (102-7) beat Knowl Hill (101) by three wickets, while Mortimer West End 2nds beat Ruislip Victoria 2nds by five wickets.

Andy Hobart (6-8) had sensational figures as Ruislip collapsed to 146 all out, and MWE eased to victory.

Purley-on-Thames 3rds beat West Reading 3rds by seven wickets in a high-scoring game.

Wests would have been confident after posting 248-9, but Tejpal Singh (121no) smashed the ball all over the park as the Potters chased down the score.

In Division Four, top-of-the-table Peppard Stoke Row 3rds (88-6) beat Falkland Development (86) by four wickets.

John Cartledge (5-10) starred as Crowthorne and Crown Wood 3rds (74-1) smashed Emmbrook and Bearwood 3rds (73) by nine wickets.

Jon Gould (67no) helped Bradfield 2nds chase down Shinfield 2nds’ total of 215-7 to see his side win by seven wickets as they kept their title hopes alive.

Ed Davies (71no) top scored as Waltham St Lawrence 2nds posted 203-5 against Hawley 2nds, before the later were bowled out for 110 to see a comfortable 93-run win for Saints.