BINFIELD’S Chilterns League Division One title hopes suffered a potentially fatal set-back as they were agonisingly beaten by one wicket at home to Harpsden, writes Richard Ashton.

Having looked like they would take top spot two weeks ago, Mike Staves’ men have now dropped 19 points behind Wraysbury with a solitary game to go following a draw with Chalfont St Giles and last Saturday’s heart-breaking finish.

Things started badly for Binfield as Sean Ennis, Chris Morgan and Steve Carson were all dismissed for single figures, only for Eddie Lee (23) and Tom Andrews to provide some resistance.

However, another collapse left Binfield in all sorts of trouble, and it was only a useful 33 from Matt Hayman – batting at nine – which helped them reach 142.

Andrews (2-13) and Hayman (2-35) made early in-roads for Binfield, but Harpsden opener Sam Imlay (47) batted well to give his side a platform for victory.

He fell to Ian Goddard, however, who turned the game back in favour of the hosts with a brilliant 13-over spell of 5-36.

However, Will Ward (24no) and Ed Birkett (5no) held their nerve to get Harpsden over the line, leaving Binfield with a mere six points rather than the 30 they would have received for victory.

Binfield end their season at Taplow on Saturday, and will be hoping for a favour from Braywood, who host Wraysbury.

Binfield 2nds climbed to third in Division Two after thumping second-bottom Amersham Hill by 193 runs.

Tim Vines (85no), Steve Jeffery (66) and Mikey Allan-Canty (64) led the visitors to an impressive 309-4 in 43 overs, and Rufus Stone (4-41) then did the early damage as Amersham were shot out for 116 in only 26 overs.