EVERSLEY enjoyed a dream start at home to Kidmore End in Division 2a of the Thames Valley League, but a sub-standard batting effort resulted in them losing by 55 runs, writes Richard Ashton.

Alex Sharp (3-18) decimated the visitors top order as they slumped to 8-4, but useful innings from wicket keeper Zac Leonard (34) and captain James Frost (33no) helped their side to 129-9 in a rain-reduced 34 overs, Matt Salter claiming 2-19 in his seven overs.

The Boars’ reply was a disaster, however, with only two players – James Magowan (23 off 22 balls) and Nick Rigg (11) – making double figures in a measly total of 74. Frost (3-12 off seven overs), Guy Ashby (3-10) and Umer Faroqi (3-22) were the main men with the ball for Kidmore.

Eversley travel to unbeaten table-toppers North Maidenhead on Saturday (1pm).

The Division 4a game between Eversley 2nds and Reading 2nds was abandoned without a ball being bowled, with the same fate affecting the Division 7a game between Eversley 3rds and Maidenhead & Bray 3rds.

The Division 9a game between Cookham Dean 4ths and Eversley 4ths also fell victim to the weather with no play possible.