BROOK and Fernhurst, who were on a collision course in this week’s Stevens Cup matches, extended their unbeaten records in the I’Anson Division Two last weekend.

Rain meant that Brook were chasing a reduced target after Grayshott II had compiled a very useful 193-7 from their 41 overs. Matt Jackson’s impressive half-century put the visitors in a strong position, ably supported by David Eeles (32), and then Rob Gregory weighed in with a breezy 34.

After further rain, Brook’s target was adjusted to 175 from 37 overs and Grayshott looked to have the advantage as Gregory and Jackson removed the top three in quick time. However, Paul Challinor and Robin Hudson calmly played themselves in and Brook were well on their way when Luke McBain broke the stand.

Hudson was in control, though, and hit three big sixes in a powerful 70 not out. Wickets fell at the other end, but three were still standing when Hudson saw Brook home with three overs to spare.

Rain also affected Fernhurst’s game at Shalford, reducing it to 40 overs-a-side, and a fine innings by Ryan Lewis clinched a well-timed win for the visitors. Skipper Peter Unsworth (41) again anchored Shalford after they had been inserted, but progress was slow and they needed to accelerate. Tim Sutton was the man for the job and his big-hitting 71 not out, including three sixes, saw the total rocket to 180-5.

Fernhurst were also slow out of the blocks and Jo Cannon managed to fire out the dangerous Mike Allen. But thanks to a solid 48 from opener Nick Jackman, the home side kept wickets in hand to allow other batsmen to play their shots. Ryan Lewis and Ashley Holloway (31) duly took advantage and the run-rate soared. Lewis (52 not out) and Steve Tytler saw Fernhurst to a six-wicket win with nine balls to spare.

Harting won an entertaining match against The Bourne by just four runs. Ed Garett soon disturbed the stumps after Harting had elected to bat, but this brought Simon Kyte and Terry Wadey together in a fine partnership of 105. Kyte made 53 and a valuable 25 from Harry Pickett, plus 32 extras, enabled the home side to post 171-7.

The Bourne made an awful start, losing two quick wickets to Olly Simpson and another to a run-out. However, Joe Morse, who had earlier bowled nine accurate overs for no reward, came in to play an outstanding innings. His 81, with support from Dave Stone and a reciprocal 28 wides, took the visitors to within sight of victory. But with four batsmen adjudged lbw and Simpson taking 4-21 from nine excellent overs, Bourne came up just short – all out for 167 in the 39th over.

Hindhead, put in by Badshot Lea, were given a great start by Darren Carter (25) and Joe Harrison and were handily placed at 81-1 from 29 overs. They needed to kick on, but the bowling was tight and Harrison’s dismissal for a disciplined 74 led to a mini collapse. Harry Stokes played some nice shots and Hindhead, batting out 45 overs for the first time this season, ended on 163-6.

Stuart Woods and young Stokes then had Badshot Lea in trouble at 40-4. Raziq Khan and Tim Gray began circumspectly against the accuracy of Arpan Painter and Lance Thorne. But Hindhead felt the absence of a fifth bowler and the batsmen judged the run-chase to perfection. Badshot Lea won with three overs to spare – Gray 52 and Khan 67 after an impressive unbroken partnership. But a much better effort from Hindhead who competed throughout this game.

The ‘old firm’ derby between Thursley and Elstead was also curtailed to a 40/40 and Thursley emerged convincing winners. With the ball playing all sorts of tricks, Thursley skipper Steve Fuller got his head down to make an important 46. Tom Porter contributed 28 and Keith Tilson, coming in at number 5, made hay towards the end with 39, including two sixes.

A total of 167-8 looked above par on a tricky pitch and Elstead, after a decent start, were soon in trouble against the pacey Liam Larby (3-24) who took a fine one-handed return catch to dismiss the dangerous Lewis Sheppard.

Alex Elkins also bowled well and then Derek Agge came on to bring the game to a sudden close. The spinner claimed 5-15 (3 stumpings by Fuller) and Elstead’s ten men were bowled out for 64 in the 23rd over.

Tongham recorded their third victory in five matches, while Frensham II have now lost five out of six. Tongham’s batting was consistency itself, with the first five all passing 20 and Tyler Carrington top-scoring with 39. The Frensham attack lacked penetration, but occasional bowler Peter Harrison enjoyed himself taking 4-19.

Harrison (37) and skipper Martin Breddy (25) then laid down a platform for a possible victory, but once their opening partnership was broken, the visitors’ challenge fell away rapidly. Scott Meyer, coming on fourth change, finally dismissed Breddy and went on to take 4-12 in nine overs, including three wicket-maidens. Jack Blythe made 22 before Frensham were dismissed for 161 (40 extras).