Only Simon Myles (29) got going for The Oaks’ top order as they were reduced to 62-5 in the face of fine bowling from Cameron Denton (4-58).

They slumped further to 142-9 and looked in danger of posting a woefully underpar score before Turner (58) and Dewick (25) took their side to the relative comforts of 196-9.

In reply Jono Fowler claimed an early wicket but Marlow opener Dan Pistorious (81) put the visitors in command as they cruised to 131-2.

However Myles (3-44) and Martin Wilson (2-42) hauled their side back in to contention and Marlow eventually closed on 189-7 in a thrilling finale.

Wokingham claimed 11 points from the game and now sit 19 points behind Kew ahead of The Oaks’ vital trip to relegation-threatened High Wycombe 2nds on Saturday.

Rakesh Patel blasted five maximums in an extraordinary late assault which helped Wokingham 2nds secure the better of a draw at Hurst - but the hosts were celebrating after sealing promotion from Division 3a.

The Oaks made a disastrous start as Oliver Miles was knocked over for a duck by Nick Reynolds, but Ben Myles hit a quick-fire 30 to help them recover.

Useful contributions throughout the middle order helped Wokingham reach 131-5 before Patel entered proceedings, and he blasted 62 from just 38 balls to propel his side to 237-9.

Andrew Ruddock was the chief wicket taker for Hurst with 3-25, while Reynolds ended an impressive performance with 2-58.

Jamie Hall (4-45) decimated the league leaders’ top order with three early wickets, but another masterclass from Greg Smith (129*) - who has now passed 50 in six of his last seven innings - steered Hurst to safety on 218-5.

They remain 20 points clear of Wargrave, who are in turn 33 points ahead of Wokingham in the race for second place.

Hurst 2nds climbed off the foot of Division 5a with a 45 run triumph against Wokingham 3rds in a low-scoring clash.

Hurst batted first and posted 141-9 in their 52 overs, with Cameron Gillespie (5-20) proving the pick of the hosts’ bowling attack.

However their run chase never got going in reply and they were eventually routed for just 96.

Wokingham 4ths picked up a maximum 25 point haul after winning their Division 8a derby clash with Finchampstead 5ths by 58 runs.

Wokingham elected to bat first and racked up 185-6 in 45 overs, before blowing away their opponents for just 127.

Wokingham 5ths beat Old Merchant Taylors 4ths in a friendly.

Wokingham were bowled out for 206 in just 37 overs, but their bowlers were inspired with Tushar Kelkar (4-37) and Roger Heath (4-27) leading the way as OMT were dismissed for 124.