TILFORD II strengthened their grip at the top of I’Anson Division Three with maximum points against Wood Street.

The visitors elected to field at The Green and openers Martin Cantwell (37) and Adi Walker had to be watchful against accurate bowling from Jake Slyfield and James Grist. Johnny Barran, returning from injury, batted well for his 39, but runs were hard earned, with off-spinner Andy Chudley taking 4-53, and Wood Street were pleased to hold the leaders to 152-8 from 48 overs.

The seam attack of Barran (3-22) and Martin Knott (2-18) had the visitors reeling at 35-5. Skipper Josh Dobson steadied things with 34 before being run out by his opposite number. Rick Austin came on to do further damage and Wood Street were all out for 102.

Second-placed Thursley amassed another big total, but never really got close to dismissing Grayshott III. It was a day to remember for Aaron Smallbone who became the latest Thursley player to make a hundred. It was a classy knock as well as Smallbone manipulated the field cleverly to reach his maiden I’Anson ton, finally being caught for 120. The home side plugged away in the field, but found themselves chasing 240 in 45 overs.

Far from being disheartened, Grayshott knuckled down to salvage something from the game. Opener Tom Part made a fine 61 at the top of the order and found a good partner in Harrison Ward (30). At 130-5, the home team still had work to do and Luke McBain (28) and Neil Sampson (25 not out) batted sensibly for 15 overs, helping Grayshott to 186-6 and two points.

Frensham III found batting conditions to their liking at Peper Harow and piled up 222-7 in 46 overs, with opener Robertson making 61 and Freddie Leighton a fluent 47 on his first innings for the club.

Glenn Taylor replied with an aggressive 39 for Peper Harow, but Connor Herrington and Seb Grundy were soon amongst the wickets. A change of pace proved effective as Tim Reynolds picked up 4-31 and after some lusty late blows, Peper Harow were all out for 137.

Kingsley managed a decent total of 163-8 in the full 48 overs against the strong Brook side. Paul Boxford made a round 50 for the home side, while Andy Stedman took 3-48 in 14 overs for his new club.

Brook needed a good start against Kingsley’s seasoned attack and skipper Tom Williams and Charles Harvey gave them that with 52 for the first wicket. Nick Randall bowled a probing spell, but Paul Challinor and Robin Hudson added 80 in another good partnership and Challinor just had time to complete his 50 as Brook got home in the 38th over.

Blackheath II narrowly failed to beat Tongham in a game that produced 495 runs. Richard Gray dominated with 120 and Elliot Cozens contributed 67 not out as Blackheath piled up 278-4 in just 41 overs.

Tongham batted consistently in reply. Opener Adam Farrier made 42 and six others reached double figures. Skipper Liam Gadd (24) and Desai (38) made vital contributions and Tongham just held out on 217-9

Dogmersfield II were also denied victory after running up a large score. Ashok Gurung top-scored with 43 in Dogmersfield’s 209-8 in the full 48 overs. Bramley slipped to 35-3 against the bowling of Ahand, but were rescued by Henry Turner who made 51 before being run out. The visitors safely played out time, finishing on 132-7.