ALL five scheduled I’Anson Division One games were abandoned to the weather last Saturday, leaving Puttenham’s slender lead intact going into their potential title-decider at home to champions Blackheath this Saturday.

Frensham, a close third, will want to beat Dogmersfield and then, on December 17, need to win at Blackheath to have a decent chance of the title because they have a bye on the last day of the season, December 24.

Puttenham host bottom side Wrecclesham on September 17 and close the season at lowly Witley. Blackheath are home to Dogmersfield in their final game.

Puttenham, without suspended skipper Aks Ilyas, totalled 216-5 (James Andrews 74, James Crouch 60 not out) against Dogmersfield before the rain arrived, while Blackheath never started their reply after Headley had batted 48 overs for 167-8 (Stuart Smith 40).

Frensham were in trouble at 54-4 after Grayswood had made a midway declaration at 208-6 (David Soper 65, Andy Major 65).

Grayshott were in danger of a fourth successive defeat after being dismissed for 84 at Tilford. Huw Town-Jones and Jason Stones took three wickets apiece, Nigel Martyn mopped up the tail with 4-14, and father-and-son Chris (keeper) and Guy Wilson each took three catches. Tilford had reached 61-3 in 17 overs when the players left the field for the last time.

The only winners in I’Anson Division?Two were Lurgashall who strengthened their promotion chances with an eight-wicket victory over relegated Headley II. Lurgashall left themselves enough time to get the runs after dismissing the visitors for 87 in 33 overs. It took Lurgashall just 18 overs to get the runs, thanks to a fast 51 not out from Marchant.

One Division Three fixture was played to a finish and Brook regained top spot after ending Kingsley’s run of three consecutive wins. With the threat of rain always present, Brook inserted the visitors and bowled them out for 122 in 42 overs. Paul Boxford made a stylish 34, well supported by Adam Robinson (31), while Jonathan King was the most successful bowler with 5-35 off 14 overs.

With the rain clouds gathering, Tom Williams and ‘Tucker’ Smith set about the Kingsley bowling. Skipper Williams hit a brutal 92 off 52 balls, dispatching four sixes and 13 fours to all corners of the ground. Smith (25 not out) was the perfect foil, giving his partner the strike whenever possible.

Brook reached their target in just 12 overs, ten minutes before the heavens opened.

Puttenham captain Aks Ilyas was handed a two-week suspension at an I’Anson disciplinary hearing on September 1. He was found guilty of using foul language towards an umpire in the Division One match between Frensham and Puttenham on August 27.

Thursley II are the Division Six champions, with Headley III runners-up.

DIV VI

Grayshott lV drew with Midhurst ll. GRAYSHOTT lV 132 (Z Rodber 71 not out; C Chaplin 4-40, K Sharpe 3-23). MIDHURST ll 73-1 (M Jones 30 not out, S Hadnett 30). Points: Grayshott 5, Midhurst 2.

All other matches in Division 4, 5 and 6 were abandoned or cancelled.