TONGHAM and Fernhurst continue to look the dominant forces in I’Anson Division Two, both winning again on Saturday.

Badshot Lea skipper Sam Acres had no hesitation batting first on what looked a belter at Fernhurst. Early boundaries, some off the edge, got the visitors going and it was first-change Ryan Lewis, back after a six-week absence due to injury, who broke through, bowling Dean Turner and Acres in quick succession.

Skipper Tristan Rissik took a diving one-handed catch off his own bowling to dismiss Matt Morrison, but Tim and Ben Gray then batted very well to resurrect the innings, both playing some excellent shots.

Rissik eventually bowled Tim Gray for 36, while Ben held firm as wickets fell at the other end. He was still there at the finish, 63 not out, as Badshot Lea posted a decent 185-8 off 48 overs.

But the total was made to look very inadequate by Fernhurst openers Mark Charman and Mike Allen who played themselves in before hitting the attack button. They never looked in trouble and the boundaries flowed in their partnership of 136. Allen was finally bowled by Tim Gray for 73 (15 fours) and two more wickets fell quickly before Leon Fourie joined man-of-the-match Charman who was unbeaten on 77 when Fernhurst cruised home in the 34th over.

Pirbright’s 10 men gave leaders Tongham a hard match. Put in to bat, Pirbright looked like being dismissed for less that 100 until Aman Khan rescued his side with 48 not out and, supported by the tail, steered the home side to 130 all out (Bennett 5-42).

Tongham made their usual strong start, with Mathew Carrington scoring 35, but then faltered against some good bowling. and lost seven wicket in reaching the modest target.

It was a difficult day for bowlers in the 2nd XI match between Frensham and Tilford. Visitors Tilford looked in a strong position after declaring at 228-7. Skipper Martin Cantwell (53) and Tom McKay put on 59 fourth wicket and McKay went on to complete a masterful 100.

But the centurion ended up on the losing side. Once again, a 200-plus total was no guarantee of victory at Hollowdene and Frensham, after losing their openers cheaply, raced to victory in 42 overs as the next five batsmen all reached 30.

Tom Nicholls (59) and Hamish Grundy (51 not out) led the charge with fluent half-centuries.

Witley lost to Grayshott II in another high-scoring game. Witley struggled to 87-6 until a stand of 82 between Jono Hill (29) and James Farrelly gave the scoreboard a much healthier look.

Farrelly went on hit 78 not out off 77 balls, including six fours and four sixes, and Witley made a halfway declaration at 203-8.

Grayshott began badly and the game was in the balance at 43-3. But opener James Cavannagh continued as the mainstay of the innings, supported first by Richard Baker in a stand of 45 and then by Harry Hannam in a match-winning and unbroken partnership of 119.

Cavannagh finished unbeaten on 95 off 137 balls, while Hannam struck 59 not out off 44 balls, including eight fours and three sixes, and Grayshott won by six wickets with five overs to spare.