BINFIELD CC missed out on the chance to reach the final of the Berkshire section of the National Village Cup as they went down to a six-wicket home defeat against Cookham Dean on Sunday, writes Richard Ashton.

John Humphrey was dismissed early on by Chriss Nunn before Paul Edgington (33) and the in-form Chris Morgan (36) steadied the ship.

But neither could push on and Binfield were restricted to 156-6, Mike Staves (29) and Dan Humphrey (23no) also chipping in.

Nunn (3-37) and Sim Mangat (2-16) were the standout performers for the Dean.

Captain Ben Millar (52 from 27 balls) made a rapid start as Cookham hunted down the total, and he received useful support throughout before Sohil Mangat (31no) finished the job in a mere 21.5 overs.

Binfield had more success in Thames Valley League Division 4a on Saturday, the early-season pacesetters romping to a six-wicket success at Boyne Hill 2nds.

Morgan (4-41) starred with the ball as Boyne Hill were restricted to 185-8 from their 45 overs, Don Pike top scoring with 52.

In reply, openers Wynand Lamprecht and Steve Carson both made starts before Morgan continued his fine form with 32, and with Eddie Lee making an excellent 65, Binfield edged home with four balls to spare.

Binfield host Royal Ascot 2nds this coming Saturday.

In Division 6b, Binfield 2nds blasted their way to a five-wicket victory at home to Aldershot 3rds.

After restricting the visitors to 190-8, Richard Higginson (59no), Steve Jeffrey (55) and Paddy Hennessy (38 from 32 balls) helped Binfield race to their target with more than 15 overs to spare.