WARGRAVE stayed top of Division One of the Thames Valley League as they made it five straight wins and eight from their last nine games with an 86-run home victory against third-placed Stoke Green, writes Richard Ashton.

Skipper Imran Malik led the way with an unbeaten 83 from 97 deliveries, and with Ashera Mahavidanalage (65) and Josh Sivier (55) also contributing effectively, Wargrave posted a competitive 258-4 from their 50 overs.

Pavinder Bhachu was the pick of the Stoke Green attack with 2-42 from his seven-over spell.

The visitors struggled to get going in reply, with Karanpreet Singh (41 at a run-a-ball) the only batsman to really impress.

Mahavidanalage (3-22) completed another fine all-round display for Wargrave, and with spinners Mark Firth (3-42) and Shriyar Ahmed (2-39) also weaving their web, Stoke Green were eventually dismissed for 172.

Wargrave remain seven points clear of second-placed North Maidenhead with two games remaining.

This coming Saturday they travel to Slough 2nds, before welcoming Falkland the following weekend as their bid to reach the Home Counties Premier League for the first time continues.

Wargrave 2nds – 23 points adrift of the top two – kept their outside Division 4a promotion hopes alive with a 64-run victory at Reading 2nds.

Salman Khalid (60) and Matt Townson (54) impressed with the bat as the visitors posted a competitive 228-7 from their 45 overs.

Ross Bonnell (50) and skipper Khurram Mahmood (47) led the reply, but with Martin Smith taking four wickets, they were dismissed for 172.

In Division 7a, already-promoted Wargrave 3rds kept their title hopes alive with a convincing five-wicket success at Royal Ascot 3rds.

Opener Murray Barter made 53 for the hosts, but he lacked support as 3-22 from Huw Thomas ensured Ascot were bowled out for 155.

James Newton also scored 53, and Wargrave reached 158-5 in 41 overs to record another 20 points, leaving them 10 adrift of table-topping Yateley.

Wargrave 4ths had a bye week in Division 9a.