PURLEY-ON-THAMES and Theale & Tilehurst finalised their preparations for the start of the Thames Valley League season with a thrilling draw on Saturday.

Division 3a side Purley batted first, and openers Patrick Allen (pictured) and George Wheeler were in fine form as they shared a huge partnership of 180.

That was ended only when Allen fell for a superb 111, although his departure and that of Wheeler (65) heralded a staggering collapse which saw five wickets fall for just 15 runs as Ram Sankaran claimed 4-22.

However, Sachin Deshmane chipped in with a useful unbeaten 30, and despite Chris Cook (2-48) grabbing two wickets in his second spell, the Potters closed on 257-8 in 46 overs.

Hammad Ali and Micky Mehat put on 55 for the opening partnership in reply before Sam Jugg bowled the former.

Andrew Wigmore fell cheaply, but Rob Dimmack (59) was in good form until he fell to Allen.

The all-rounder then accounted for Mehta and with Will Dethridge picking up a wicket, T&T had also collapsed from 177-2 to 177-5.

They too rallied, though, with James White leading the way with an unbeaten 48, but they fell just short of victory in matching Purley’s total, closing on 257-8.

Wheeler (2-41), Allen (2-49) and Arjun Mathur (2-51) were the pick of the Potters’ attack.

Purley-on-Thames begin their league season at Newbury on Saturday, while in Division 4b, Theale & Tilehurst welcome relegated Wooburn Narkovians to the Recreation Ground.

Division 2a side Kidmore End thrashed Holyport by 141 runs.

Hamis Grant played a steady hand with 65 from 79 balls batting at number three, but the innings was given impetus as Calem Taylor smashed the same score from just 46 deliveries to take his side to 217-7 from 40 overs.

The Holyport innings proved a disaster for the home side as James Walker (3-10) and Jeff Sheldon (3-13) reduced them to 26-6, and with Umer Faroqi (2-27) also chipping in, the hosts were shot out for just 76.

Kidmore End travel to Harefield 2nds on Saturday.

In Division 2b, Sonning – who recruited former England international Aftab Habib as their player-coach during the winter – are at home to Burnham 2nds, while Hurst visit Yateley.

Wargrave – who were relegated at the end of last season – begin their Division 3a campaign with a trip to Fleet.