Reigning champions Puttenham also looked destined for a third straight win when they reduced Chiddingfold, chasing 236, to 125-7. But Paul Harrison, Chiddingfold’s newly recruited former Leicestershire professional, found a partner in number 9 Ben Evans and the pair turned the game around with a partnership of 78.
Harrison was finally bowled by Sohail Awan for a technically excellent 91, but Evans, known mainly as a spinner, continued to defy the Puttenham attack and, assisted by Bertie Probyn in a stand of 30, and then by number 11 Paul Hundley, saw his side to a thrilling win with four balls to spare. Evans finished 41 not out, while Sohail took 4-37.
Another number 9, Adam Goulder, made a vital 42 as Frensham recovered from a poor start against Rob Weston (4-22) to post 158. Blackheath looked like winning while opener Josh Milton was there, but he was eventually stumped for a patient 50 off Ray Clarke who turned in a match-winning spell of 4-20 in his nine overs. Tom Charman, given a rare bowl, and Jack Richards whipped out the tail and Blackheath fell an agonising four runs short on 154 all out.
Grayswood accelerated to devastating effect at Lurgashall, taking 87 off the last six overs to total 284-6. Skipper Alastair Gloak (69 not out) reached 50 off 40 balls, while his last 39 runs came from just ten deliveries. Lurgashall came out full of attacking intent and Lewis Hyde, who struck six sixes in a 55-ball 78, and Nathan Kemp both made half-centuries. But the target was too great and a flurry of wickets for Cameron Kent left the home side all out for 209
Andy Hall Hall continued his fine start to the season and a partnership of 74 in just seven overs with Jake Austin put Tilford in the driving seat against Pirbright. Austin (52 in 27 balls) blasted two sixes into the Barley Mow, while Hall Hall (87) and Matt Cook (39) ensured a healthy total of 260-9. Huw Town-Jones (7-37) then bowled with pace, variation and accuracy, dramatically taking seven wickets in six overs, while Jason Stones tied up the other end. Keeper Denis Hounsham took three catches and Pirbright were shot out for 73 in the 25th over.
Witley, put in by Headley, never mastered the tight bowling of Matt Hall (4-13 in 9) and George Ellis, backed up by Callum Hawtin, and were dismissed for a mere 51 in 23 overs. Headley openers Stuart Smith and Ashley Cook picked off the runs inside 12 overs.
Imran Khan was left stranded on 56 not out as Grayshott bowled Dogmersfield out for 182. Alex Marden took 4-36 from two excellent spells and Dom Ford plucked out the tail. Gary Hunt (67) continued his impressive form for Grayshott at the top of the order and then skipper Stuart Kennedy (36 not out) joined Nathan Phillimore (41 not out) in an unbroken stand that secured victory in the 42nd over.