They need to win, too, because Pirbright powered to a seven-wicket victory against Grayshott II.
Elstead drafted in some of the young Serbian cricketers who were spending the weekend at the club and Fernhurst were impressed with the young guest players.
“How nice it was to have cricketers from Serbia join us,” said captain Tristan Rissik. “They were absolutely gents and played the game in a good spirit.”
Naturally, Fernhurst wanted to win the game and looked well on their way as Ryan Lewis (6-23 in 14 overs) and Rissik (3-46) removed the top five for not many runs. Rissik bowled former Thursley stalwart Keith Tilson who was making his first appearance of the season for the neighbouring village club.
Peter Cheeseman, who had organised the Serbian trip, prevented a complete collapse and his well- compiled 41 not out steered Elstead to a more respectable 109 all out.
It summed up the spirit of the game when Fernhurst opener Mark Charman organised proper bowling boots for Bogdan Dugic, the Serbian coach.
A 50 stand between Charman and Mike Allen (39 not out) settled the outcome and George Bristow’s 32 not out ensured an early finish after 22 overs.
The Serbian opening attack of Dugic and Reb did themselves credit, while Tilson bowled a typically tight spell.
Grayshott II, inserted by Pirbright, saw off new-ball bowlers Aman Khan and Rupert Howe, but then ran into trouble against Ryland Kelly who took 3-11 in seven overs. Opener Luke McBain (37) batted well and Raveen Sriharan (58) and Rob Gregory (34) shared a century stand. But Grayshott went from 150-4 to 176 all out .
It was not enough to seriously test Pirbright. Despite a niggardly spell from Andy Lang, openers Jon Swinney and Awais Khan ensured victory with an opening partnership of 122.
Khan fell to Gregory for 59 and Khan was unbeaten on 83, including 12 fours, when Pirbright cruised to a seven-wicket win after 39 overs.
Badshot Lea remain rock-bottom of the division. They were bowled out for 124 by Frensham II who knocked off the runs for the loss of just one wicket.
Witley were unable to raise a team and their match against Tilford II was cancelled.