ROYAL Ascot surged to the top of the Division 2b table with a dominant 171-run annihilation of title-rivals Hurst, writes Richard Ashton.

Ollie Dunnett (95) top scored for the visitors, and with Andy English chipping in with 56, Ascot racked up an imposing 315-8 in their 50 overs.

Dunnett (3-28) and Kevin May (3-43) then helped skittle the home side for 144, Ollie Lovegrove (30) providing the only significant resistance.

Royal Ascot visit Thatcham Town on Saturday, while Hurst travel to Beaconsfield (both 1pm).

Eversley slipped to a three-wicket defeat at home to Bagshot in Division 2a.

Australian star Andrew Niblett blasted 82 from just 50 balls as the Boars amassed 241, Ru Whelan contributing a useful unbeaten 44 batting at number eight.

However, despite Niblett claiming 3-32, fine knocks from Chris Hollely (79) and Jack Grinstead (64) ensured Bagshot (242-7) reached their target with 16 balls to spare, Eversley not helping themselves by bowling 24 wides.

Eversley visit Harefield 2nds this Saturday (1pm).

Matt Reardon-Brown took 5-50, but it was not enough for Eversley 2nds as they suffered a 67-run defeat at High Wycombe 3rds in Division 4a.

The home side were dismissed for 160, but only three Boars players made double figures as they were shot out for 93.

Opener Murray Barter (99no) carried his bat for Royal Ascot 2nds (147), but they lost by six wickets at home to NPL (152-4).

In Division 5b, Bracknell were thumped by 123 runs at Wokingham 3rds.

Ashley Brinsford (104) scored a superb century for the Oaks, and with Cameron Gillespie (39) contributing, the hosts declared on 231-9 after 50.5 overs.

Gillespie (4-3) and David Healey (3-10) then ran riot as Bracknell were blown away for 108.

Bracknell – who dropped into the bottom two – host Aldershot 2nds on Saturday (1pm).

Hurst 2nds had to settle for the worst of a draw at Cove 3rds in Division 6b.

Joe Warren (3-21) and Aryan Joshi (3-48) bowled well as Hurst restricted their opponents to 195-9, but only skipper Tom Hibbs (43) really got going as his side ended on 150-7.

A wonderful all-round display by Peter Henly (4-60 and 87 not out) allowed Bracknell 2nds (169-5) to beat Wokingham 4ths (163-8) by five wickets in Division 7a.

Kevin Manning (4-22) and Rob Saunders (4-50) did the damage for Eversley 3rds (134-2) as they beat Thatcham Town 3rds (133) by eight wickets.

In Division 9a, Eversley 4ths (215-6 declared in 43.4 overs) hammered Newbury 3rds (100) by 115 runs. Jeremey Hammond made 80 for the Boars, with Saroj Panda then taking 3-35 in the reply.