With only the 4s winning last week, Ascot looked to make amends and get on the winning trail. The 4s had a walkover as Cookham Dean 4 conceded as they couldn’t raise a side.

1s v Fleet

Fleet were the visitors to the Racecourse Ground but Ascot won the toss and elected to bat first. At 0 for 2 that decision looked to be Hussain-esque. James Wensley and Andy Murray rebuilt the innings before he was out for 27 and Ascot were 49 for 3. That soon became 49 for 4 as Karemaker went.

Andy Murray was the backbone of the Ascot innings but when he departed for 60 with the score on 118 for 7, the tail needed to wag. Instead they were 119 for 9 leaving Myles Trainor and skipper Mike Brown to try and get a good total. They pulled the rabbit out of the hat with an unbeaten stand of 59, and at 178 for 9 off 50 overs, Ascot were still in the game.

Peter Talbot was the star of the Fleet attack with 10 overs, 5 maidens, 4 wickets for 9 runs.

Myles Trainor and Tom Walsingham put Fleet under pressure with some miserly bowling and also a couple of early wickets. At 39 for 3, Fleet needed a batsman to change the momentum. That came with a blistering innings from Ravi Gilbert. His 66 came off 47 balls with 9 fours and 3 sixes.

With plenty of overs left and Fleet, 144 for 6 with Gilbert still at the crease the match was heavily in Fleet’s favour. But the man from down under, Andy Murray finally got the vital wicket as Gilbert holed out on the deep cover boundary to Harry Watson. Christof Karemaker took two quick wickets leaving Fleet on 149 for 9 and then Andy Murray completed a great win with the last wicket and figure of 5 for 52.

A good win and the 1s will look at trying to gain some momentum away at Hurst.

Newbury v 2s

The 2s were on the road but the difficulties started before the match even started as two late drop outs meant a quick change in personnel.

Ascot won the toss and elected to bat first. Unfortunately none of the batters could go on to make a big score with Jem Bains (26), Joseph Warren (23) and Ian Dawkins (20) the only players reaching 20 as Ascot were bowled out for 159 in 43.2 overs.

Anstey, Singh and Kundar each tool 3 wickets for Newbury.

Newbury won comfortably in the end with Charlie Anstey opening and top scoring with 67 not out to win by 7 wickets with nearly 8 overs remaining.

The 2s next face Finchampstead 4 at home.

3s v Thatcham Town 3

At Locks Ride, the 3s won the toss and elected to bat first. Owen Bowles top scored with 39 and with several batters getting into double figures despite three ducks, Ascot reached 149 for 7 off 40 overs. Nicholas Mackay was the pick of the Thatcham bowlers with 3 for 9.

But Mike Wyatt destroyed the top order with 5 for 31 leaving Thatcham on 47 for 5. Despite No.11, Martin Paice, top scoring with 18, Thatcham were all out for 105, and the 3s are now up and running.

The 3s go back on the road and face Aldershot 3 while the 4s entertain Finchampstead 5 at Locks Ride.