ALEX Kayser made an unbeaten 95 as Hurst just had the better of their Division 2b game at Wokingham 2nds, writes Richard Ashton.

James Watt also chipped in with 40 as the visitors reached 222-8 in their 52 overs, John McDonald taking 3-44.

In reply, Ben Myles struck 53 not out from 43 balls after Jack Fisher had made 49, but the Oaks could only make it to 215-5.

Hurst are at home to Beaconsfield on Saturday.

Andy Murray claimed 3-61 as Royal Ascot held on for a draw at Wargrave.

Neal Robinson (76no) led the way as the hosts managed to score 238-7, but a brilliant 115 from opener James Wensley ensured Ascot reached safety at 178-7.

Wargrave visit Aldershot on Saturday.

In Division 2a, Guy Ashby struck 74 from 72 balls, but it was not enough to stop Kidmore End (261-9) from losing to Kew (262-5) by five wickets.

Kidmore End visit leaders Hayes this Saturday.

Tom Bale top scored with 40 as Purley on Thames (220-8) climbed to second in the Division 3a table after a fourth straight win, the Potters overcoming Falkland 2nds (219-7) by two wickets.

Purley on Thames visit High Wycombe 3rds on Saturday.

Sonning (171) endured a chastening 145-run reverse at NPL (316-2 declared in 40 overs) in Division 3b.

Sonning host Ickenham this Saturday.

In Division 4a, Chris Mercer’s 87 and 40 from Steve Belcher set Sulhamstead (251-6 declared from 50 overs) on their way to a resounding 157-run thrashing of Bagshot 2nds.

Dave James (4-2) and Matt Gill (3-29) were in top form as the visitors were skittled for just 94.

Sulhamstead visit Henley 3rds on Saturday.

Theale & Tilehurst (158-6) – who visit Binfield in a top-of-the-table encounter this coming Saturday – beat Henley 3rds (156) by four wickets.

Charlie Moss hit 98 for Wargrave 2nds (261-8), but they still lost by three wickets to Aldershot 2nds (262-7) in Division 5b.

Chris Priestley (75) and James Denton (67) helped Purley on Thames 2nds amass a competitive 262-7, but they lost by five wickets to Boyne Hill 3rds (263-5). Sonning 2nds (152) were thrashed by seven wickets at home to Falkland 3rds (153-3).

In Division 6b, Bradfield (86-6) – who host Cove 3rds on Saturday – overcame Finchampstead 4ths (85) by four wickets.

Mark James (83no), Tim Everitt (71) and skipper Ollie Lovegrove (62) were all among the runs as Hurst 2nds (269-3) battled to a draw at home to Taplow 2nds (337-6 declared from 47 overs).

Eversley 3rds (84) lost to Kidmore End 2nds (85) by five wickets in Division 7a, Sam Crawford taking 5-20, while Wokingham 4ths (153-6) beat Theale & Tilehurst 2nds (152-8) by two wickets.

Tim Benham (78) and Digvijay Singh (53) helped Sulhamstead 2nds post 237 in their five-wicket defeat to White Waltham 2nds (241-5).

In Division 8a, Wargrave 3rds (129) lost to Datchet 4ths (200) by 71 runs, while Sonning 3rds (160) were beaten by 66 runs at home to Boyne Hill 4ths (226-7).

Ben Hardy top scored with 57 as Bradfield 2nds (149-6) beat visitors Bagshot 3rds (148-6) by four wickets.

Kidmore End 3rds beat Newbury 3rds by five runs in a thrilling Division 9a encounter.

The hosts posted 214-8 in their 40 overs before Newbury fell just short, ending on 209-7.