BROOK’S thrilling win over Tilford II enabled Thursley to draw level with the I’Anson Division Three leaders.

While Tilford were going down in a tense finish, Thursley were beating bottom side Kingsley.

Tilford made the bold decision to bat first and skipper Martin Cantwell led from the front with a half-century. Hamish Macdonald and Johnny Barran supported from the middle order and the leaders totalled a useful 184-9 in the full 48 overs.

Ben Matthews removed Brook’s openers cheaply and Barran did further damage. But with his side in trouble, Robin Hudson came up with a vital innings. After hitting 14 fours and a six, he finally fell to Martin Cantwell for 93. Cantwell and Martin Knott bowled their side to the brink of victory, but the last pair of Oliver Eccles and Jon King (15 not out) knocked off the remaining runs and Brook squeaked home with an over to spare.

Thursley again showed their batting strength after visitors Kingsley had posted 196 all out, with Paul Boxford making an excellent 71.

No surprise that Keith Tilson led the way with a steadfast 64. Rob Williams, Aaron Smallbone (30) and Tom Porter (40) scored quickly at the other end and Thursley powered home in 38 overs.

Blackheath II put out a strong side and consolidated third place with victory away to Dogmersfield II. The pitch was full of runs and Blackheath amassed 279-3 before declaring after a mere 35 overs. Tom Melhuish (70), Fred Martin-Dye (73 not out) and Torsten Wrigley (59) made hay with the bowling, one over going for 26 runs.

Dogmersfield put up spirited resistance, skipper Subhani top-scoring with 27. But Blackheath had left themselves 55 overs and eight still remained when Alex Bertola (3-10 in 10 overs) finished off the home side.

Tongham also enjoyed a run glut, piling up 268-5 in 45 overs away to Frensham III. Prolific scorer Adam Farrier (87) and Tyler Carrington (74) enjoyed themselves before the visitors made a midway declaration.

Frensham were in no mood to be dismissed on their own ground and openers John Wallace (60) and Andrew Gardner saw off the opening bowlers. Tongham eventually got amongst the wickets, but it was too late and Frensham played out time on 150-7.

Grayshott III, inserted at Bramley, obliged with a large total of 204-7 in 48 overs. Skipper Neil Sampson scored another half-century, promising youngster Alistair Wheble contributed 45, and Joe Brunwin made 33. In reply, Bramley fought their way to 124-8 and two points.

Wood Street, put in by Peper Harow, totalled a healthy 204-7 in 45 overs, thanks largely to a sixth-wicket stand of 104 between two 17-year-olds, Liam Binfield (60) and Rory Leach (52). Peper Harow never looked like winning, but opener Glenn Taylor made 47 and both Bradleys were in the runs (skipper Steve 38 not out) as Peper Harow reached 150-6 and secured two points.