ONLY two matches were played in the I’Anson Division Two and Tongham had a chance to strengthen their grip at the top of the table.

Put in to bat by Tilford II, they performed the first half of their task by posting an intimidating 268-4 in 44 overs.

The visitors had started well, with Ben Matthews quickly dismissing Adam Farrier, but this only brought in Mathew Carrington to join skipper Liam Gadd in a long and punishing second-wicket partnership.

Gadd missed his century by just four runs – stumped by Chris Wilson off opposing captain Martin Cantwell – but Carrington made no mistake and after a quickfire stand with Scott Meyer (30), was 111 not out at the declaration.

Tilford were ready for their tea after a tiring afternoon in the field, but were in no mood to roll over either and experienced openers Chris Wilson (38) and Henry Bate (22) took the shine off the new ball.

Meyer made a double breakthrough and Wilson eventually fell to Trevor Carrington – another veteran – but Tilford upped the pace. Tom McKay hit a fine 51 and a breezy unbroken partnership between James Clements (43 not out) and Jonny Barran (33 not out) took their side to a very respectable 222-6 in 46 overs.

Elstead, who beat Witley in their last outing, found themselves up against a Grayshott 2nd XI strengthened by a number of first-teamers.

Put in to bat, Elstead were 30 without loss, with Sam Egan and Max Holland going well, but then slumped to 64-5 as Andy Wheble and Dom Ford snapped up two wickets apiece.

However, the next three wickets added 89 valuable runs. Rupert Keith (38) and Paul Sheppard (20) put the visitors back in the game and number 10 Sean Ford hit five boundaries in a spirited 26. Elstead were all out in the 45th over for 153.

A Grayshott win was never really in doubt. Lewis Sheppard made an early breakthrough, but Matt Jackson, keeping his hand in for tough Division One games ahead, was quickly into his stride.

Supported by Luke McBain and then Nathan Phillimore (27), Jackson stroked 16 fours and his 81 not out saw Grayshott to a seven-wicket victory in just 29 overs.

Eighteen points from their second win of the season sends Grayshott from second bottom to third in the nine-team division.