PIRBRIGHT moved a step closer to promotion back to the I’Anson top flight by beating Hindhead, but Lurgashall took a pace backwards with their defeat to close rivals Elstead.

Hindhead elected to bat first and applied themselves well, using up the maximum 48 overs to total 188-4 against the leaders. Opener Joe Harrison made a solid 42 and number 3 Jack Hamilton hit several boundaries in his 38. Ben Thorne and Robert Dobson took up the mantle, both picking off the bad balls with ease as the home side set Pirbright what seemed a stiffish target. Returning stalwart Dobson made an unbeaten 36 and Thorne hit an excellent 50 not out at a run-a-ball.

Pirbright, however, made light work of the task against a weakened home attack. James Thompson (65) and Awais Khan (62 not out) were quickly into their stride and after Pradeep Gore had taken the only wicket to fall, Robbie Jones weighed in with a typically explosive 52 not out as Pirbright raced to victory with nearly ten overs remaining.

Lurgashall batted consistently at Elstead and used the full 48 overs to compile 226-6, with half-centuries for opener Nathan Kemp (57) and Dan Bolton (52 not out). Guy Drayton took 3-37 and the experienced Pat Murphy bowled 14 overs in the heat to claim 3-44.

After a bad start against the bowling of Kemp, Elstead scored rapidly through Nathan Thomas (46) and Drayton (60) who shared a fine partnership. Rehman then made a vital 58 in rapid time and Faz Syed (20 not out) saw Elstead to an exciting win with just two balls to spare.

The century attributed to Elstead batsman Nathan Thomas in the match at Badshot Lea on August 6 was in fact scored by Lewis Sheppard. The error was made when posting the scorecard on the I’Anson website.

Badshot Lea eventually had the better of a draw as Headley II finished 14 runs short of their victory target of 197. The game started explosively as Ben Ryder-Smith took a wicket with the first ball of the match – a real snorter. Paul Kelly struck soon after, but Sam Dixon (59) played a fine anchor role as Jon Richards (29 and Tim Gray (48) batted aggressively and the visitors declared on 196-7 from 46 overs.

Headley openers Ashley Cook and Richard Jackson looked untroubled and runs came at a good rate until Tom Bull took the first of his three wickets with the score on 62. Headley needed Cook to bat deep into the innings, but Ben Sweet took a good catch to dismiss him for 64. Thereafter, Bull and Jack Addison kept things tight for Lea and despite the best efforts of Ryder-Smith (35 not out) and Angus Proctor (36), Headley failed to reach the win-draw target of 188, ending on 183-6.

Fernhurst were involved in yet another draw, but had the satisfaction of claiming the bonus points when batting second. Grayshott II found it a hard slog on their big pitch and despite another good knock from Richard Baker (41), were held to 156-9 in 48 overs. All the bowlers were economical, with Tristan Rissik taking 4-48 in 13 overs.

As usual, Mike Allen led Fernhurst’s run-chase and it was a mighty relief for the home side when he was caught off Mark Morris for 66. Morris (5-45) and Lang (3-11) got amongst the wickets and with new keeper Gary Clapham claiming three dismissals, Fernhurst ended their 42 overs on 146-9 – good enough for four points.

A remarkable spell of bowling by Andy Wadey earned Harting a much-needed win in their home game with Shalford. Accurate bowling, particularly by Dave Shilcock and Adam White limited Harting to 127-9 in 48 overs (Simon Kyte 32, Toby Cross 27).

Shalford struggled from the start and things really went downhill when Andy Wadey came on third change. In seven overs, he took 6-3 and Shalford crashed to 59 all out in 25 overs.

Frensham II moved above The Bourne after beating their near-neighbours by three wickets. Hally Baldock (4-57) had the home side in early difficulties and later finished them off by taking the last two wickets. In between, Dave Stone (34), Dhilip Lessly (32) and Rob Croucher (21 not out) played good innings, while Adam Page wheeled away to take 4-30, and Bourne mustered 152 all out.

Vermana Anne removed the Frensham openers cheaply and it was John Turnbull (44) and Nick Green (49) who put their side on the road to victory. Baldock, having a good day, hit the winning runs with three balls to spare.