Hartley’s men moved to within eight points of securing promotion - with two games to play - after chasing down 297 against Amersham on Saturday.

The hosts reached their target with an incredible eight overs to spare, thanks to a magnificent innings from Praful Waghela, who hit 169 not out off 122 balls.

It was the definition of a must-win game for second-placed Reading, who started the day 20 points above their opponents.

But they held their nerve to chase down a daunting total and all but clinch promotion, with the chance to seal it at local rivals Finchampstead on Saturday.

Hartley was quick to pay tribute to the Waghela, as well as reserving special praise for Bruce Friderichs (154), who caused problems for the Reading bowling attack on Saturday.

“It was a case of two magnificent innings from two great batsmen,” said Hartley. “We knew beforehand what Bruce was capable of and he certainly delivered on that.

“The wicket was kind as you can tell with nearly 600 runs scored on it, and we wanted to bat first but unfortunately we lost the toss and they scored nearly 300 runs.

“But one of the good things about this team, and something that we’ve done all season, is pull through whether we’re defending a low total or chasing a high target.

“And we did it again on Saturday as Praful showed what a top player in club cricket he is with a high-class innings.

“The contribution of Tom Fray shouldn’t be forgotten either who played well and supported Praful brilliantly.

“I was told that their opening stand partnership was just three runs off the club record.”

In a highly-entertaining top of the table clash, wickets were hard to come by early on as Stephano Joubert (16) and Friderichs accelerated past the 50 mark.

Khalid Malik had Joubert caught when the visitors were on 68 but the arrival of Christopher Owen (83) was the catalyst for a partnership of 196 between Owen and Friderichs.

It was a frustrating spell for the Reading attack as the runs continued to come for the visitors, but Kashif Nasim (3-67) finally broke through when he had Friderichs caught.

Two wickets followed in quick succession as Jack Kilgannon was caught before the all important dismissal of Owen came moments later when he was run out trying to scramble a quick single.

After Amersham were looking at a mammoth total when handily placed at 264-1, Reading managed to fight back and limited the damage to 296-8 at the end of the visitors 50 overs.

With a win essential, Hartley’s men got off to a blistering start as Waghela raced off and was ably assisted by Fray, who played a calming influence.

The formidable partnership made it to 171-0 before Fray was caught for 69, bringing Sanjit Jheeta (22) to the crease.

His innings was slow and patient as Waghela continued to strike the ball around the ground, scoring 25 boundaries as he kept Reading way above the run rate required.

Jheeta was eventually caught and bowled by Joubert - and a few more wickets tumbled - but it was never going to matter with Waghela in imperious form as he drove Reading forward.

The win means Reading can clinch promotion at Finchampstead on Saturday, but Hartley wants to win both games to apply the pressure to Horspath, who are top by four points.

“On paper, they’ve got the harder games,” added Hartley. “But we’ll just have to concentrate on ourselves and first and foremost make sure we go up.

“Finch is a local derby and they’ve got players that can hurt us. I’m sure they won’t be looking to do us any favours so it’s a tough game.

“But if we can win both then there’s a good chance we could finish top but it’s in Horspath’s hands so they’ll be content.

“There’s not much we can do bar win our games and see where it leaves us, but it would be a nice end if we were to go up as champions.”

Meanwhile, Reading 2nds forced a draw in their Thames Valley League Division 3b clash at Chenies & Latimer on Saturday.

The hosts won the toss and made 262-4 from their 50 overs, with Luke Carvey hitting 105 as the hosts put Reading under pressure.

It was a struggle for Reading though and they soon had to settle for avoiding defeat, which they managed as they batted through their 50 overs, finishing with 90-8.

Reading 3rds fell to a nine-wicket defeat at home to league leaders NPL Teddington in Division 5b.

The hosts were bowled out for 85 and the visitors chased the target down with nine wickets remaining.

It was a better day for Reading 4ths as they defeated Royal Ascot 4ths by 105 runs in Division 8a.

Jake Foster (60) led the Reading charge as they made 217-6, before they dismissed their hosts for 112.

HCPL fixtures for Saturday, August 30:

Division One: Aston Rowant v Henley; Burnham v Gerrards Cross; Harefield v High Wycombe; Oxford v Banbury; Slough v Tring Park.

Division Two: Chesham v Shipton under Wychwood; Cove v Great & Little Tew; Dinton v Falkland; Finchampstead v Reading; Horspath v Amersham.