A memorable performance from Cookham Dean 2nd XI’s opening bowlers blew away Harefield 3s on Saturday, maintaining Cookham’s position as frontrunners in Thames Valley League Division 6A. Opting to field first on Harefield’s seaming wicket, Dean captain Richard Bibby took the new ball with Aaron O’Donoghue, and the pair proceeded to attack the top order with pace and movement. The home side had no answer and were soon three wickets down. Harefield skipper Mark Petley looked most able to combat the difficult conditions, before being adjudged LBW to Bibby for 11. After that the wickets tumbled and in no time at all Harefield were all out for just 47, with Bibby taking 6 for 28 and O’Donoghue 4 for 18. Incredibly, the Harefield resistance lasted only 14.2 overs.

Despite opener Rob Mettler falling LBW for 3, Cookham Dean were never overly troubled in their pursuit of the runs, with Jake Richardson (15) and Simon D’Ardenne (20 not out) batting calmly to ensure there were no slip-ups. They achieved the target with 8 wickets in hand and 13 overs bowled. The match was over before 3.30pm, making it surely one of the shortest completed games in Thames Valley League history.

Despite their satisfaction with the performance, Cookham will have noted that their closest divisional rivals Hayes 2 and Maidenhead and Bray 3 also both recorded wins, suggesting that the promotion race may well go to the wire. Next up for the Dean is a home game against Newbury 2s next Saturday.