Ascot made a dream start as opening bowlers Will Ellison and George Barlow (2-27) made an early triple strike, but Amalka Naimanage (68) asserted his authority for the vistors.

May (5-45) was the star for Ascot, and with only three other batsmen making more than 20, Newbury posted 172-9 in their 52 overs.

However Royal Ascot suffered a disastrous setback with their top four of Jack Kendall, James Gamble, James Wensley and captain Nick Sweetman all dismissed for 10 or less.

When young Miles Anderson was stumped off the bowling of Newbury captain Charlie Anstey, Royal Ascot were in disarray, but a sensible partnership between Ellison (23) and Barlow (36) gave them hope.

However the damage had been done, and after they were dismissed, the tail was unable to wag sufficiently as Ascot were skittled for just 113, with Kevin Mills (5-45) and Anstey (4-27) the chief destroyers.

Tony King produced an outstanding individual performance to help Royal Ascot 2nds claim a draw against Boyne Hill 2nds, but they still slipped to the foot of the Division 5b table.

King bowled a marathon 24-over spell and claimed figures of 4-80 as Boyne reached 173-8 despite Mike Brown also picking up 3-47.

The Ascot top order was blown away and slumped to 35-4, but Dirk Benneyworth (37) and King (55) steadied the ship and they closed on 139-6 despite Hill using nine different bowlers.

Royal Ascot 3rds were also forced to hang on for a draw, reaching 141-8 in reply to Maidenhead & Bray 3rds’ score of 237-7.