DIVISION Two of the I’Anson might have been reduced by the unfortunate withdrawal of Lurgashall, but it promises to be an intriguing contest between nine good sides, including the 2nd XIs of powerful clubs Tilford, Frensham and Grayshott.

Witley recorded a notable win over the fancied Fernhurst side. Choosing to bat, Fernhurst were going well at 70-1 in the 16th over, but then Ollie Hickman (4-26) came on to snap up two wickets and then dismiss opener Mark Charman for 63.

Tight bowling eventually restricted Fernhurst to 166-9, with Chris Munday conceding only 11 runs off his final seven overs.

Witley got off to a solid start and the game swung firmly in their direction with an 83-run partnership between Chase Pusey and Jimmy Hill.

The hard-hitting Hill finished 69 not out as Witley romped to victory in the 28th over.

Frensham II bowled 33 wides, yet managed to dismiss Elstead for 165 in the 41st over. John Turnbull and Jack Blythe (4-38) mixed things up to keep wickets falling, while Adam Page bowled his usual niggardly spell (1-16 off 9 overs), as well as showing cat-like agility in taking two tumbling catches at backward-point. Peter Cheeseman top-scored for Elstead with 27.

Elstead were even more generous, conceding 60 extras, including no less than 48 wides. Frensham knocked off the runs in 34 overs, with skipper Martin Breddy (57 not out) and Alex Warren (38 not out) sharing a fine unbroken partnership.

Tilford II, inserted by Badshot Lea, charged out of the blocks, taking 79 runs off 15 overs. Ben and Tim Gray eventually stemmed the flow of runs, but skipper Martin Cantwell’s 65 and useful contributions down the order saw the home side to 219-8.

Tim Spooner hit the third ball of the innings into the car park off as Badshot Lea showed their attacking intent.

With three wickets down, Spooner and Tim Gray started to cut loose and moved the score to 135 off just 23 overs. The visitors needed just 84 off 22 overs, but Cantwell took a smart return catch off Spooner (62) and then trapped Gray (46) in front to turn the tide.

Martin Knott returned to snap up three quick wickets and Lea collapsed to 162 all out, just shy of any bonus points.

Grayshott II were in all sorts of trouble against Tongham opening bowlers Tyler Carrington and Lewis Spittles, but recovered strongly through the middle and late order.

Harry Hannam (44), Alasdair Boag (35) and Rob Gregory (45) batted particularly well and Grayshott posted a decent 181.

But Tongham made short work of the target. Adam Farrier (53) and skipper Liam Gadd launched the reply, Tyler Carrington (45) kept up the momentum, and Mark Andrews (30 not out) and Scott Meyer completed the victory in just the 33rd over.