HOUNSLOW saw their hopes of clinching the Morrant Thames Valley League Division 2B title postponed for another week as they were drubbed by 106 runs by Falkland on Saturday. It was their first defeat of the season.

Transport problems meant some players arrived late, but they pegged back Falkland from 120-1 to 169 all out, Junior Maxwell taking 4-39, Tony Parker 4-51 and Martin Aylett 2-45.

However, some brilliant work from the home side meant that Hounslow fell for just 63, off spinner Gareth Trewby taking 7-38. Hounslow are still 32 points clear at the top and can clinch the title with a home game against struggling Maidenhead and Bray on Saturday. Play at Church Meadow starts at 12.30 pm.

Harefield's ambitions of catching Gerrards Cross in Division 1 also look forlorn after they were drubbed by Marlow Park, the margin ten wickets. Richard McLeod batted well in Hares' 212-6 but Ollie Fowlston (111 not out) and Neil Barnes, undefeated on 89, saw Marlow Park home inside a decidedly action-packed 22 overs!

Mid-table Hillingdon made just 166-8 in their Division 3A game against Wooburn Narkovians, who overtook that modest target for the loss of just four wickets.

Middlesex made a good start to their vital Frizzell County Championship Division Two game against Worcestershire at Worcester on Tuesday. They were 25-3 at one stage but recovered to 374-7 by stumps, new caps Ed Joyce (125) and Sven Koenig (81) leading the revival.