After electing to bat, Hurst openers Lewis Smith (24) and Alex Kayser (33) made slow but steady progress as they set about building a solid foundation for the innings.

However, after sharing a partnership of 62, Kayser was dismissed by left arm spinner Huw Thomas, which precipitated a stunning collapse.

Fellow spinner Euan Woods then accounted for Smith with the score on 66, and his brother Greg - who has been in prolific form in the second half of the season - was caught and bowled first ball.

When Thomas then bowled captain Alex Fillingham, Hurst had lost four wickets for four runs and were reeling on 66-4.

The introduction of Neal Robinson gave no respite to the league leaders, and his spell of 3-26 left them on 102-7.

An excellent partnership of 50 between Abhinav Singh (38*) and Phil Higgs (20) helped their side recover and they eventually closed on 157-8.

Wargrave knew that only a win would realistically keep their title challenge alive, but with the exception of Euan Woods (52), they struggled in reply and were restricted to 145-8, with Andrew Ruddock, Andrew Cording and Nick Reynolds all picking up two wickets.

Hurst host Eversley 2nds this Saturday, while Wargrave travel to Royal Ascot.

Hurst 2nds were blown away by 195 runs as the Division 5a side’s relegation was confirmed following defeat at home to league leaders Stoke Green 2nds.

The visitors racked up 246-4 before declaring after 45 overs, and Gheyas Khan (9-18) then produced an amazing spell which included a hat-trick as Hurst were routed for just 51.