READING CC's hopes of avoiding relegation from Division One of the Thames Valley League suffered a major setback as they lost a thrilling game at fellow strugglers North Maidenhead by two wickets, writes Richard Ashton.

Firaz Amjad's men had gone into the game second-from-bottom in the table with North Maids one spot and seven points clear, but they ended the day 19 points from safety with just two games remaining.

The home side won the toss and made immediate inroads after choosing to bowl as Dani Katuri, Qasim Ali and Amjad all fell for single figures to leave Reading in strife at 11-3.

Billy Rogers and Sukhi Kang rebuilt the innings with an excellent stand of 72, but the former was then caught behind by Shahzad Ashgar off the bowling of Usman Ilyas for 48.

Sunny Jheeta did not last long and when Kang (24) departed with the score on 110, their was precious little resistance before the away side were bowled out for 126.

Ilyas (4-24), Shaan John (2-6) and Bukhari (2-26) were the pick of the attack, with Ian Slatcher (11) only the third Reading player to reach double figures.

Reading boldly opted to open with spinner Max Uttley (3-39), and it was a plan which bore fruit as North Maids fell to 46-3.

Ali trapped Ashgar lbw to make it 64-4, but Imran Butt's 27 proved vital in a low-scoring affair. He became Amjad's (4-14) first wicket to make it 98-5, and when three more followed in rapid order to leave Maids 110-8, Reading were arguably on top.

However, skipper Majid Khan and Majid Ashraf held their nerve to take North Maidenhead over the line, the hosts ending on 127-8 in 36.3 overs.

Reading host Gerrards Cross this Saturday (12.30pm) In Division 4a, Shiva Aruna's 5-28 led Reading 2nds to a tense 15-wicket home win against Newbury, all but securing their survival.

The hosts looked underdogs after being shot out for 126 in 41.3 overs, but Aruna's heroics with the ball ensured Newbury were knocked over for 111.

Chris Priddle top scored with 47 as Reading 3rds fell to a seven-wicket reverse against Division 6b leaders Taplow 2nds.

Reading made 150, and despite Srinivasan Kumar taking 3-6, Taplow knocked the runs off in 26 overs.

In Division 9a, Reading 4ths (237-7) beat Yateley 2nds (233-9) by three wickets thanks to fine knocks from Gaajuran Ganagabalan (71) and Alvin Waterman (68no).