DAN HOUSEGO hit an unbeaten 113 to fire Thames Valley leaders Wokingham to a six-wicket win over Gerrards Cross.
The Oaks went into the contest top of Division One having won each of their last three games and faced a tough task travelling to face fourth-placed Gerrards Cross.
Wokingham captain Stuart Hayter lost the toss and the hosts opted to bat first.
But the leaders could not have wished for a better start with both openers Jasraj Grewal (13) and Malkeet Dhaliwal (2) removed cheaply off the bowling of Jacob Clark and Lewis Sharp.
However, number three Daniel Hampton proved impossible to shift, ending with a memorable knock of 168 not out off 131 balls, hitting 11 fours and an incredible 12 sixes.
But the rest of the order did fall around him. Despite Jarrett Bobb, who took six wickets last week, missing the game, Wokingham bowled out Gerrards Cross for 271 with Clark (4-49) and Anthony Clapham (3-77) the pick of the bowlers.
The visitors got off to a poor start chasing 272 to win with Hayter dismissed for just one run and when Stuart Parsons was caught for 29, Wokingham sat on 36-2.
Cue a fine partnership from Housego and Archie Carter, firing the score up to 151-3 before the latter fell for 60 off 64 balls.
Michael Bates’ half century 51 was crucial to put Wokingham on the brink of victory and they
clinched the win thanks to Housego closing on 113 not out, partnered at the crease by Jack Wood (18no).
Wokingham are now 12 points clear at the top and host fourth-placed Falkland on Saturday.
But it was frustration for FINCHAMPSTEAD as their clash with Slough was rained off during the second innings.
Skipper Dan Marles led the bowling with figures of 4-51 while Jandre Coetzee also picked up two wickets on his return to the side as Slough set a target of 273 to win.
Finches were looking good after a knock of 39 from Marles and Greg Smith’s unbeaten 71 at the Memorial Ground.
Opener Smith was at the crease with big hitting Dan Lincoln (29no) when the heavens opened and the game was abandoned with the hosts on 164-3 off 37 overs.
Finchampstead, who now sit fifth in Home Counties Premier League Division One, collect eight points from the contest while Slough pick up 10.
Marles’ men travel to face High Wycombe on Saturday.
