A spirited performance from Yateley denied Marlow victory in the Thames Valley league Division One on Saturday.

Yateley won the toss and made the most of favourable bowling conditions to make early inroads into the Marlow attack.

Imran Nawaz was the first to fall after he was bowled for zero by Jonathan Sebanja (2-40) off the second ball of the innings.

Barney Hogg followed in the eighth over to leave Marlow on 21-2 and in need of a recovery.

The pair’s departures brought in-form batsmen Joe Brown and Graeme Paskins to the crease and Marlow soon found their feet.

Brown’s imperious 106 and Paskins’ 57 saw them put on 131 for the third wicket to halt Yateley’s early momentum.

The dismissal of Paskins left Marlow on 152-3 but did little to dent their progress as his son, Nic, hit a quick-fire 37.

A lack of input from the lower order prevented Marlow making any real headway later in their innings and they finished on 241-8.

Anthony Muir was the main threat for Yateley with figures of 4-70 and Harry Bartlett (1-42) also contributed.

The start of Yateley’s innings mirrored that of Marlow’s as Jacques Pienaar was bowled by Paul Brezezki in the first over.

His departure triggered the start of a potentially catastrophic collapse as Yateley slipped to 67-6.

Muir would again prove to be a thorn in the side of Marlow though as he scored 74 not out to put on 115 with Sam Kennett (34).

A flurry of wickets breathed fresh life into the Marlow attack but they were unable to break through and Yateley held on for a draw and finished on 194-9.

Jeremy Batty (4-62) was Marlow’s main wicket taker, while Brezezki (2-21), Nawaz (1-1) and Harry Spear (1-31) also contributed.