A superb rear-guard action from Chesham saw them defend a total of 129 and claim a dramatic victory against Cove on Saturday.

The Thames Valley League Division One leaders batted first against a Cove side following closely on their coat tails in second.

Chesham’s effort with the bat lacked quality from start to finish and Luke Webb’s 39 was their top score as none of their other batsmen made it into the 20s.

Cove’s Darren Collins was the most dominant of any of their bowlers and he dismissed five of the Chesham top eight to record figures of 5-35.

He was ably supported by Reagan McLean (2-37), Tom Redhead (1-14) and Ashley Flowers (1-15) and Chesham struggled to deal with the Cove attack on their way to their small score.

Chesham’s bowling attack would have to be at their best to force a result from the game and some tight bowling suggested they were not going to lie down without a fight.

Pip France (4-39) did for Matt Farr as he trapped the Cove opener LBW for 13 and he and Ashley Turney were Chesham’s main wicket takers.

Turney’s form with ball in hand was particularly important to Chesham’s cause as he dismissed three of the Cove top four on his way to 3-21.

Tinotenda Mawoya (25) and Nick Randall (32 not out) were the only Cove batsmen to offer any kind of resistance to the Chesham attack.

A dearth of quality with the bat would ultimately be Cove’s downfall and they made hard work of chasing down the relatively simple target.

However, they still had every chance of doing so heading into the closing stages, but could not force themselves over the line as Chesham maintained their composure to tie up the Cove innings for 119.

The 10-run victory leaves Chesham 11 points clear of their new closest challengers Stoke Green, who replace Cove in second after beating Kew.

Chesham’s ability to hold onto their table-topping status faces a stern test on Saturday as they play away from home against fourth placed Falkland.