THE Avenue edged closest rivals Railway by just four runs at Westleigh Meths.

The Avenue finished on 165 for 5, Mark Hudspith scoring 90, and Trigger Jones and Tony Libby providing another valuable partnership. The watching donkeys provided entertainment for the spectators as they dodged Hudpith's big sixes.

For the Railway, Colin Rawson hit an impressive 50 well supported by Bryn Norman who scored 33. Lee Wilkinson held two amazing off Howson. Landlord Billy Barnes spent much of his time at the crease avoiding some rising balls from Hudspith.

Hag Fold beat Boars Head with eight balls to spare. Head's Brian Smith and Lee Smith got the innings off to a good start by scoring 33 and 4. M Riley hit 19 of just 20 balls, ensuring a healthy 125 for 6.

Hag Fold started badly when Andy Derbyshire was caught on the boundary off the second ball. Brian Smith took two great catches off the bowling of M Clegg and after Lee Smith bowled two batsmen Hagfold were on 62 for 5 with only eight overs to go.

Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Andy Newton thrashed 35 in 19 balls and for the third time this season Darren Bond hit the winning runs.

Bridgewater cruised past the target of 112 set by an under-strength Foundry team. The highlight of the poor batting for Foundry was Ellie's 31 and Chapman's 23 not out. Paul Maiden, Chris McDough, S Mountford and Mick Shep took the wickets.

Foundry's Chris Garfin and landlord Phil Collier got a wicket each. Bridgewater piled on the runs, Des Morris hitting 24 with Peter McDough and Storming Norman Hill unbeaten on 35 and 39. Captain Chapman bowled like a man with no arms conceding 40 runs off his two overs.