IT was a truncated programme in I’Anson Division Two, with only three games being played.

But Tongham’s easy win over bottom side Badshot Lea was enough to put them top of the table over Pirbright who took a winning draw against strong opponents Fernhurst.

A depleted Badshot Lea were always going to struggle against a good Tongham attack. They were bowled out for 93 in 27 overs and it would have been much worse but for a determined middle-order stand between Dave Jennings (43) and Tim Gray (31). The other batsmen contributed only 21 runs between them.

Tongham openers Adam Farrier (41 not out) and Matt Carrington (45) took their side to the brink of victory before Richard Treen broke the partnership. Tongham won by nine wickets in the 16th over.

Pirbright opted to bat first and Fernhurst held them in check early on, with Awais Khan facing 105 balls for his 41.

Dom Allom and James Thompson accelerated, the run-rate, though. Thompson hit 47 off 45 balls, including three sixes, and Pirbright made a midway declaration at 207-8.

Fernhurst batted consistently in reply, but lost wickets just as batsmen looked set. James Johnson and Mike Allen made 29 apiece and most batsmen reached double figures, but Rupert Howe and Ryland Kelly took wickets at vital times. However, a defiant last-wicket stand between Will Dyer and Joe Unwin earned Fernhurst six points to Pirbright’s eight.

Witley, invited to bat by Frensham II, got off to a stuttering start against Hally Baldock and Andy Kamm and never really recovered from being 13-2.

A steady fall of wickets ensured that no meaningful partnerships developed and Adam Keane was top scorer with 26 as Witley toiled to 127 all out in the 43rd over. Kamm (3-33 in 14 overs) and newcomer Ben Read (5-46 in 14) did most of the damage

Frensham were going along steadily at 35-1 when Ollie Hickman brought himself on and snapped up two wickets (38-3).

The run-rate slowed as Hickman reeled off seven overs for only six runs, plus three wickets, and at 55-5, with Frensham skipper Martin Breddy retired hurt, the game was in the balance.

However, a partnership of 65 between Freddie Wilson and Chris Powell took the game away from Witley. There was still time for a bit of tension as Hickman and Harry Phillips took further wickets and Frensham finally got over the line with only three balls to go.

Young Wilson made a match-winning 55 not out, while Hickman returned outstanding figures of 13-6-16-4.