RELEGATED Bracknell got off to a bad start in Division 5b, slumping to an 118-run defeat away to Reading 3rds, writes Richard Ashton.

The home side made 242-6 with opener Pranav Bharadwaj remaining unbeaten on 98, while skipper Graham Cassie added 57.

When Bracknell batted only Taz Shah offered any real resistance, hitting 52 with one six and seven fours, having reached his half-century off 32 balls.

He was sixth man out with the total on 105 and the last four wickets fell for the addition of 19 runs, leaving Bracknell with just 124.

All 10 wickets fell to the Narayanasamy brothers with spinner Shreyas taking 7-55 and seamer Shashank 3-15.

Bracknell host Slough 4ths next Saturday (1pm).

Wokingham began their Division One campaign with a 25-run success at Marlow.

Captain Stuart Hayter (69) led from the front and received useful support from Michael Bates (30) as the Oaks were bowled out for 203.

That proved sufficient, however, thanks to fine bowling performances from Tom Wood (4-33), Paul Dewick (2-25) and Anthony Clapham (2-29). Marlow were all out for 178.

Wokingham host Windsor this Saturday (1pm).

Eversley’s Division 2a season began with a disappointing five-wicket defeat at Tring Park 2nds.

Captain Chris Last (50) and Ben Saville (42) gave the Boars a solid platform, and Kenny England’s buccaneering 57 from 27 balls helped them to 243-9.

That never looked like being enough after Shelvin Gumbs hammered 94 from 52 balls, and Tring coasted home in just 32 overs. James Magowan (3-25) was the pick of the Eversley attack.

Eversley welcome Chenies & Latimer to Cross Green on Saturday (1pm).

In Division 2b, Royal Ascot lost by four wickets at Thatcham Town.

Jack Kendall (36) top scored in the visitors’ total of 203-9, while Chris Bird (5-43), Josh O’Flynn (2-41) and John Williams (2-42) shone with the ball.

O’Flynn (43) gave his side a useful start and Jack Williams (46) furthered their momentum, before John Williams finished the job with an unbeaten 30. Andy Murray (4-40) was Ascot’s most successful bowler.

Royal Ascot host High Wycombe 2nds on Saturday (1pm).

Hurst took just a solitary point as they were thumped by eight wickets at home to Henley 2nds.

The hosts were shot out for just 64 before Henley eased to victory in 15 overs.

Hurst visit Wargrave this Saturday (2pm).

In Division 3a, Eversley 2nds overhauled Newbury’s total of 212 to win by three wickets.

Matthew Loxton smashed a wonderful 130 as Wokingham 2nds obliterated Chiswick & Whitton 2nds by 156 runs in Division 4b.

Simon Carter and Dan Reddyhough both added 47 as the Oaks piled up an imposing 305-5, before John Macdonald (4-27) and David Bishop (3-60) helped dismiss their opponents for 149.

Royal Ascot 2nds started their Division 5b campaign with a straightforward six-wicket win at home to Boyne Hill 2nds.

Jason Carr (3-30), Myles Trainor (2-13), Josh O’Shea (2-22) and Saeed Ahmed (2-28) did the damage as the visitors were rolled over for just 118, and Murray Barter’s 38 proved the catalyst for an easy win.

Alex Orme made a stunning 104 not out as Hurst 2nds beat Theale & Tilehurst 2nds by five wickets in Division 6b.

Matt Morrison (3-45) was the pick of the visitors’ attack as T&T were bowled out for 228, but Orme and Tom Hibbs (57) ensured the win for Hurst.

Elliott Coggins (3-43) and Rob Major (3-26) starred for Royal Ascot 3rds in their six-wicket success at home to Fleet 2nds.

The visitors were dismissed for 153, and Daniel Parker (54) helped Ascot home.

Markus Viljoen (59) top scored for Wokingham 3rds (128) in their seven-wicket defeat to Cove 3rds.

In Division 7a, Henley 4ths forfeited their game against Eversley 3rds.

Wokingham 4ths (214-8) were denied victory by the final pair as Bagshot 3rds reached 131-9 in Division 8a.

Eversley 4ths were left to rue their declaration following a four-wicket loss at home to Windsor 4ths.

Jim Heywood (109) and Bill Burnett (57) led the charge as the Boars reached 236-7 in 43 overs, but Raymond Borg’s stunning 132 not out steered Windsor to victory.

Royal Ascot 4ths beat Kew 4ths by five wickets after routing their opponents for just 57.

Thatcham Town 4ths (230-5) annihilated Wokingham 5ths (98) by 132 runs in Division 9a.