Datchet and Slough nestled together after losses
Datchet and Slough finished the Home Counties League Division 1 season nestled alongside each other in sixth and seventh after rounding off the campaign with disappointing defeats.
Datchet, who had been in the title frame until relatively recently, were beaten by 64 runs by Henley, a side who’ve appeared to have the edge over them in recent seasons, while Slough were sunk at home by seven wickets by Wokingham.
The top six sides in the division were separated by only 38 points, with Aston Rowant holding off the attention of Banbury to take the title by 11 points after their exciting 25 run win over High Wycombe on the final day.
Batting first Rowant managed 228-6 from their 50 overs, Callum Russell top scoring with an unbeaten 52, and they put the squeeze on Wycombe's chase, dismissing them for 203 in the 48th over, despite the best efforts of AJ Woodland who scored 61.
The same couldn't be said of Datchet’s fielding, as Henley were able to rack up 304-9 from their 50 overs. Archie Carter top scored with 91 before being run out by Steven Naylor. In response, Datchet plugged away at the crease, several of their top order making starts, most notably Raheem Abbas Sher who hit 35, however, none of their line-up, other than Naylor who managed 55, was able to stick around and produce a match-defining knock. They were eventually bowled out for 240 in the 47th over.
Slough had an afternoon to forget with the bat, bowled out for just 100 in a seven-wicket loss to Wokingham. Only Yash Lakhani (43) was able to apply himself, with Shaan Khan taking 3-26, before Andy Rishton top scored with 31 as Wokingham comfortably made their chase to finish the season fourth, a couple of points behind Henley.
In Division 2, already promoted Wargrave rounded off their season with a convincing eight-wicket win at Cumnor.
Euan Woods took 4-20 as
Cumnor were bowled out for 130. Wargrave then eased to their target in just eight overs, Rhys Lewis smashing 83 off just 23 balls.