READING Blue Coat enjoyed a convincing 85-run win against local rivals Shiplake College on Saturday.

Stepping in to open the batting, Ben Cole made the most of his opportunity with a well compiled 62 in an opening partnership of 82 with Will Perkin (30).

Shiplake fought back as the hosts’ middle order struggled to contribute in falling to 141-6, but Under 15 Toby Greatwood scored his second 50 of the season in a vital partnership of 72 with Kalhan Shah, which took Blue Coat up to 241-7 off their 40 overs.

In reply the home side struck early when Shah picked up a wicket fourth ball, but Shiplake put together some good partnerships and looked comfortable in the chase.

This was until the introduction of spin from both ends in the form of Cole (2-34) and Jamie Etherington, who recorded superb figures of 6-40 as Shiplake were bundled out for 156 in just 26 overs.

  • BRADFIELD College cruised to a straight-forward nine-wicket victory against Winchester College in the John Harvey Cup.

Imran Malik (3-9) starred with the ball as the visitors were bowled out for a well below-par 101, and although he was then dismissed for a first-ball duck, captain Charlie Gwynn was in complete control with his unbeaten 73 coming from 75 balls in a routine win achieved in just 20.4 overs.

Bradfield were pushed much closer by Wellington College on Thursday, but secured a two-run victory in their Twenty20.

Edward Bray played a key hand after coming in with his side 73-5, his 32 from 24 balls propelling his side to 127-7. Malik was the second top scorer with 21.

Gwynn made an early breakthrough in the Wellington chase, and with Malik (2-29) and Ollie Waddington (3-21) keeping the pressure on, the home side were only able to reach 125-8 as they fell agonisingly short.