WOKINGHAM’S hopes of winning the Thames Valley League Division One title will go to the final day after they had the better of a draw at Falkland, writes Richard Ashton.

Jake Turner and Eamonn Vines gave the Oaks a solid start after they were asked to bat, putting on a solid half century for the opening wicket.

Vines fell to Hamza Riazuddin with the score on 65, but Turner was joined by Simon Myles (63) in adding 110 for the second wicket.

The opener completed a fabulous century until he was dismissed for 103, and Falkland hauled themselves back into the contest thanks to James Bloodworth’s excellent spell of 5-55.

Wokingham eventually declared on 263-6 after 48 overs, but Falkland also made an impressive start as Will Langmead (47) and Bruce Martin (43) added 72.

Langmead was run out and Tom Wood removed Martin with the score on 102, but Riazuddin (40) and Mark Abrams continued to lead the Falkland response effectively.

Paul Dewick (2-57) and Jack Wood (2-41) put the Oaks back on top, though, and Falkland were eventually forced to hang on for the draw at 229-7.

Wokingham are 11 points behind leaders Kew and host third-placed Cookham Dean, who sit five points behind them, on Saturday (12.30pm).

Relegation-threatened Wokingham 2nds were thrashed by 92 runs at home to Aldershot in Division 3a.

Martin Wilson (5-33) helped bowl Aldershot out for 166, but a stunning burst from Vineet Sinha (8-29) saw the Oaks dismissed for just 74.

Wokingham 3rds were relegated from Division 5b after suffering an eight-wicket defeat at Sonning 2nds.

The visitors were dismissed for 179, and Tom Huysinga’s 89 gave the Pound Lane side victory.

In Division 7a, basement boys Wokingham 4ths had the better of a draw at home to Newbury 2nds to keep their survival hopes alive.

Raj Acharya (65), Marcus Viljoen (58) and Cameron Gillespie were in form to take the Oaks to 221-9, but despite the latter’s 4-28, Newbury held on at 152-8.