Cricket round-up: Hartley's haul sees Reading CC past Wokingham

Sportsdesk • Published 30 Jul 2012 15:20 0 Comments

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READING CC opened up a 42-point lead at the top of Thames Valley Division One after beating rivals Wokingham by two wickets.

The Oaks started the weekend as Reading's nearest challengers, trailing them by 35 points with seven games of the season remaining.

But their day got off to an ominous start as opener Rukshan Soza was run out for a duck and then skipper Dan Reddyhough (24), Stuart Parsons (19) and Simon Myles (28) were all dismissed after making starts.

The loss of Reddyhough sparked a further collapse that saw the score reduced from 60-3 to 61-6.

And only Ryan Pogson (24) could make any notable contribution lower down the order as the hosts were dismissed for 119.

David Hartley was the standout bowler for Reading, returning figures of 6-25, while Jon Gaffney claimed three wickets.

Wokingham's hopes of defending the meagre total were given a boost when Stevie Smidt (2-33) and Paul Dewick (2-38) removed Paul De Chaud (5) and Gareth Harte (12) cheaply.

But although the Oaks continued to take wickets, Reading managed to eek out enough runs to make it home in the 50th over, with Shelvin Gumbs' knock of 35 vital in the chase.

In Division 2b, Israr Khayani took 7-68 to help Sonning secure a three-wicket win over local rivals Kidmore End.

Qasim Ali hit a half century and returned figures of 6-72 to help Reading 2nds beat Yateley by 18 runs in the same division.

In Division 3a, Paul Reber (55*) and Amit Rawal (50) helped Purley-on-Thames secure a three-wicket win over Hillingdon Manor.

Theale & Tilehurst drew against Reading 3rds in Division 4b, with Reading's Jim Cowan the standout performer after taking 5-63 and scoring 68.

* See Thursday's Chronicle for full reports and pictures.

This article appeared in Local Berkshire 30 Jul 12

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