I’ANSON Division Three carries on and the race for the promotion places was again thrown open with defeats for both Farncombe and Midhurst.

Farncombe seemed to have done half the job after dismissing Thursley for 90, but the the visitors were soon reeling at 8-4 as Hadi and Shazi (3-9) ripped into the top order. Skipper Zeshan completed the rout by taking 4-11 and Farncombe were shot out for 69.

Captain Simon Lush top-scored with 40 as Midhurst totalled 167-8 at Wood Street, Henry Vincent taking 4-28. A fine opening stand between Liam Binfield (47) and Jack Mallett (27) set Wood Street on their way and Daniel Bow (30 not out) steered the hosts to a three-wicket victory in 41 overs.

Leaders Blackheath II made no mistake, however, and continued their superb run with victory over Bramley. Henry Turner scored 58 in quick time as Bramley posted a respectable 174, Archie Freeth claiming 3-17. After an early setback, Blackheath chased the runs down with ease. Ross Sibley (43) and Joe Davis (55 off 40 balls) batted particularly well.

The Bourne could yet muscle their way into the promotion places if they can sustain their form over the last three weeks. Mark Budd (9-6-4-2) bowled a particularly miserly spell at Hindhead and the home side, batting ten men, were restricted to 131-8 on a drying wicket.

Shivang Pathak launched Bourne’s reply with a quickfire 35. Arpan Painter (5-0-5-2) bowled another excellent spell, but Joe Morse (37 not out) and Neil Poulter saw the visitors home with plenty of wickets and overs to spare.

Headley II recorded only their second win of the season as they skittled Harting out for 55, having managed only 83-9 themselves. The Sussex side looked certain winners after a disciplined bowling effort, but Richard Jackson’s limpet-like 19 not out in 45 overs and Tom Kiddey’s quick 18, proved vital.

Craig Johnson (9-3-9-4) then bowled a fine spell and dismissed Terry Wadey, while Kiddy removed Rob Norris, both key wickets. Harting’s ten players crashed to 55 all out and with three teams likely to be relegated, urgently need to find their form.

l Tongham II beat Shalford II to clinch the Division Six title and make it a club promotion double.

l Alton IV, in good shape to go up with Tongham, were proud of two of their U17 colts who both scored centuries in the win over Bramley II. Tom Green (120 not out) and Freddie Egleston (112) shared a superb opening partnership of 223, both completing their maiden tons. Jude Wright then took 4-18 and Nathan Vincent claimed the tenth Bramley wicket off the last ball of the game.

Victory against Kingsley II confirmed Tilford III as Division?Seven champions. Young Donald Randall scored 68 not out for Kingsley and, at the other end of the age scale, Mike Thompson took 4-26 for Tilford.