IAN Rose made 59 and Andy Webb 41, but Finchampstead 3rds crashed to a four-wicket reverse at home to struggling Purley on Thames in Division 3a, writes Richard Ashton.

Finches reached 200-8 in their 45 overs, but fine knocks from Raj Senniappan (51) and Patrick Allen (49) ensured the Potters gave their survival bid a big boost.

Binfield were effectively crowned champions following their 42-run victory at Sulhamstead.

Mike Staves’ men are 42 points clear of second-placed Wokingham 2nds, however the Oaks may yet get a chance to replay their abandoned game at Sully from earlier in the year, which would mean Binfield are not mathematically certain of taking the title.

On Saturday, Shaun Miller top scored with 66 as Binfield amassed 211-9, Stuart Hornby (3-19) the pick of the attack.

However, Sully could only reach 169-9 in reply, despite the best efforts of Marc Thompson (59).

Tom Andrews (3-32) was the stand-out bowler for Binfield.

Sulhamstead visit Purley on Thames in a key survival battle this Saturday.

Kidmore End recorded a crucial four-wicket success against Amersham 2nds in their bid for survival in Division 2a.

Abid Ul Wahab was the pick of the Kidmore attack with 3-30 as Amersham posted 237-7 from their 50 overs, and he went on to complete a man-of-the-match display by clattering an unbeaten 106 from 80 balls – aided by 44 from Guy Ashby – to lead his side to 240-6 with plenty of time to spare.

Kidmore End visit Windsor on Saturday.

Reading lost by four wickets at Beaconsfield.

Phil Brennan (72) and Sunny Jheeta (68) shared a 145-run second-wicket partnership to take their side to 154-1, but a collapse resulted in them being bowled out for 206.

The leaders then made no mistak with their run chase, reaching 209-4 with 19 balls to spare.

Reading host Thatcham Town next Saturday.

In Division 2b, skipper Lewis Smith and Max Carroll starred with bat and ball as Hurst moved up to third with a 48-run success at home to Finchampstead 2nds.

Smith (76) and Carroll (49) batted well as Hurst posted 239-9, Simon Bell taking 3-41.

Bell (55) completed a fine all-round performance with 55, but from 142-3, Finches collapsed to 191 all out in the wake of fine spells from Smith (4-33) and Carroll (3-34).

Hurst host leaders Beaconsfield this Saturday.

Division 4a champions-elect Sonning (242-8) eased to a 132-run thrashing of White Waltham on the back of fine performances from Duncan Parr (115) and Andrew Niblett (4-11 from nine overs).

Sonning will win the league if they win at North Maidenhead 2nds on Saturday.

Osman Mahmood (85 and 3-32) and Rob Dimmack (56) were in fine form for Theale & Tilehurst (255-9) as they smashed Newbury (156) by 99 runs.

Theale & Tilehurst visit basement boys Bracknell this Saturday.

Division 6b table-toppers Bradfield confirmed their promotion in some style with a huge 189-run victory at home to Cove 3rds.

The victory was built around a staggering double century from opener Richard Moolman (208 from 120 balls), and he put on 275 for the first wicket along with Ben Hardy (48).

Having blasted 357-7, Bradfield then restricted their opponents to 168-3 in reply.

Bradfield will seal the title if they win at Finchampstead 4ths on Saturday.

Abhir Joshi top-scored with 63 for Hurst 2nds (205-9), but they went down by 29 runs at Reading 3rds (234-6).

James Denton made 77 for promotion-chasing Purley on Thames 2nds (155-3) as they eased past Sulhamstead 2nds (154) by seven wickets.

Sam Woodhouse had earlier taken 6-31 for the Potters.

Mark Richards took 4-14 and then blasted a sensational 105 not out as Sonning 2nds (128-3) crushed Theale & Tilehurst 2nds (127) by seven wickets.

Kidmore End 2nds stunned Division 7a leaders Yateley by one run in a thriller.

Tom Bodeker made a brilliant 111 as Kidmore posted 225-6, and Umer Faroqi’s spin then earned him 6-34 as Yateley crashed to 224 all out.

Division 8a champions-elect Eversley 3rds lost for the first time this season as they went down by seven wickets in their top-of-the-table encounter at Bradfield 2nds.

The Boars were restricted to just 111-9 in their 40 overs, and Dave Balkissoon notched 50 to lead the hosts to 112-3 in just 23 overs.

Chris White (75) and Nauman Ali (52) led the way for Bracknell 2nds (222-5) before Saibabu Malisetti took 4-24 to deliver a 69-run triumph over Theale & Tilehurst 3rds (153).

In Division 9a, Josh Sidhu struck 52 for Reading 4ths (165-5), but it was not enough to prevent them losing by two wickets at home to Slough 6ths in a tight encounter.

Sonning 3rds (168) eased to a shock 95-run victory against leaders Datchet 4ths (73), while Kidmore End 3rds did not have a fixture last Saturday.