WOKINGHAM are on the brink of clinching the Thames Valley Division One title.
The Oaks have been in imperious form all campaign but suffered a wobble with defeat to second-placed Cove last weekend.
However, a fine batting display saw them bounce straight back against rock-bottom Finchampstead 2s.
The Oaks posted a total of 294-7 off their 50 overs with captain Stuart Hayter top scoring on 91, supported by Stuart Parsons (75) and Dan Housego (57).
Finches produced a valiant chase before being bowled out for 261, 34 runs short of victory with 10 balls remaining.
Fit again Greg Smith hit 65, but fine bowling from Lewis Sharp (3-36) helped clinch the win.
The Oaks now sit 35 points clear at the top with just two matches and 40 points to play for. They could clinch the title at Sadlers End against Gerrards Cross on Saturday.
One team who will not end the season as champions are FINCHAMPSTEAD.
Last season’s Home Counties Premier League Division One champions have officially relinquished their crown after a thrilling tie against Banbury.
Finches looked like clinching a win as they chased down a target of 201 for victory with Matt Carter (2-25) again the pick of the bowlers.
But the much changed Finchampstead side could not get over the line with the ball, losing
their final wicket level on 200 runs apiece as Simon Bell (46) was run out.
On the football field, BINFIELD are in the hat for today’s FA Cup first qualifying round after drawing with Horndean.
The Moles looked to be heading for the exit until Josh Howell popped up to book a replay on Tuesday night.
WOODLEY UNITED remain goalless in the Hellenic Premier Division after a 3-0 reverse at Abingdon United but WOKINGHAM AND EMMBROOK thumped five past Milton United in One East.
Ben Knight grabbed a hat-trick with further goals from Sam Lawrence and Luke Scope in the 5-0 success.
EVERSLEY AND CALIFORNIA continue to soar atop Combined Counties Division One after a 5-1 win at Bedfont and Feltham with Adam Aimable, Cameron Miller and Alan Reid among the scorers.
The Thames Valley Premier Division also returned with WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS and WOKINGHAM AND EMMBROOK RESERVES both on the wrong end of 3-0 scores while elsewhere LONDON IRISH beat Ealing Trailfinders 29-6 in a friendly.
