SHINFIELD 2nds won the inaugural Berkshire League Bye Week Challenge by beating Knowl Hill by six wickets in the final.

The champions defeated Peppard Stoke Row 3rds in the semi final, an astounding innings from Noel Joseph (122 from 60 balls) firing his side to an impressive 207-5 in 20 overs.

Hugh Asquith top scored with 39 in the PSR reply, but they were never able to keep up with the rate and only reached 123-5 in an 84-run defeat.

Knowl Hill cruised past Purley on Thames 3rds by 68 runs to reach the final.

James Stoker made 32 as Knowl Hill totalled 157-4, with the Potters only able to reach 89-7 in reply.

A lengthy rain delay forced the final to be reduced to 12 overs per side, and Shinfield (86-4) managed to get over the line with five balls to spare, surpassing Knowl Hill’s 82-6.

Meanwhile, Waltham St Lawrence were crowned Division Two champions after their game with Earley was abandoned.

Mitun Patel (69), Ollie Johnson (61) and Suri Muchapalli (40) led Earley to a competitive 203-7 in their 45 overs, Zaheer Gujjar (3-29) and Chris England (3-52) the pick of the attack.

Saints (48-0 from eight overs) appeared to be in a good position as they looked to sign off with another victory, but heavy rain forced the game to be called off.