Green looking for a favour after losing crucial match
Stoke Green lost their potential title-decider with Gerrards Cross on Saturday by two wickets, a result that leaves them needing a big favour from Cookham Dean to stand any chance of lifting the title.
Gagan Singh’s side are looking to wrap up back-to-back title wins in the Thames Valley League Division 1, but Saturday’s loss leaves them very much second favourites to achieve that.
Heading into their final game at home to Henley 2nds they trail Gerrards Cross by 15 points and will likely need a favour from Dean, or the weather, to get their hands on silverware once again.
Green elected to bat on winning the toss but were bowled out for 188 in the 48th over.
In reply, Cross got to their target with a couple of wickets in hand having used up 39 of their overs.
The visitors began reasonably well at the crease, putting on 30 for the first wicket with J Chiral going on to score 21 and J Odell top scoring with 48. There were further solid contributions from R Nadeem (31) but the middle and lower order failed to sustain the side's initial impetus. James Dalby did best with the ball for Cross, taking 4-29. Cross had their difficulties in response, with Simranjeet Singh taking 424, however, Ed Snushall (51no) anchored the side to victory and shared a match-defining stand with Ben Lane, run out for 44.
In Division 2A, Uxbridge and Kew are set to tussle it out for the title on the final day, with Wraysbury and Marlow in a battle of their own for third place. Leaders Uxbridge were beaten by one wicket by eighthplaced Hounslow & Whitton, however they extended their lead over Kew to nine points after Kew were beaten by Marlow.
Aside from Marlow it was a day to forget for all the front runners with third placed Wraysbury losing by three wickets to Amersham 2nds.
Marlow’s 29-run win over Kew leaves them just a point behind Wraysbury, who host Tring Park 2nds on Saturday. Marlow finish their season with a trip to High Wycombe 2nds.
Hurst are still in contention for the title in Division 2B after beating Slough 2nds by six wickets on Saturday. They sit third but trail leaders Wokingham 2nds by only 10 points going into their final match at home to Reading.
Sonning look set to claim silverware in Division 3A with Saturday’s two run win over Kidmore End opening an 18-point lead over nearest challengers Harspden. They round off their matches with a trip to Theale and Tilehurst.
In the same Division Windsor beat Aldershot by 88 runs to cement fourth spot. They round off their season with a game at Wargrave 2nds.
Bottom of the table White Waltham are set to drop down a level after their five-wicket defeat to Wargrave 2nds. Waltham prop up the table on 189 points and finish off their season with a tricky tie at Harpsden.