Gareth Harte’s superb century proved to be the difference as Gerrards Cross suffered a 42-run defeat to Datchet.

The loss leaves Cross perilously close to dropping out of the Home Counties Premier League Division Two and they are second bottom with two games to play.

Harte led from the front as he opened the batting and made 115 from 141 deliveries in an innings which included 12 fours and two sixes.

The importance of his contribution was highlighted further by the relative struggles of those around him.

Only Thomas Lambert (37), Tim Alldis (22) and Christopher Peploe (14) made it into double figures from the remaining Datchet batsmen.

Their total was helped along by some wayward Cross bowling which saw them concede 32 extras.

Jonathan Denning (3-22), Elliot Green (3-40) and Richard Knudsen (2-9) claimed the Cross wickets as Datchet finished on 227-8.

Cross’ response lacked the sort of star innings which formed the backbone of Datchet’s batting display and Harry Nichols top scored with 39.

Jasaj Grewal was the only other player to break the 30 barrier as a well-oiled Datchet bowling machine kept Cross at arm’s length.

Peploe led the way for the visitors as he claimed 3-34, while Tom Lambert, Samuel Finn and Calum Edgar got two wickets each to dismiss Cross for 185.

With two games left to play this season, Cross will need to lift themselves quickly if they are to be certain of surviving the drop.

Winning tomorrow’s match against Oxford will be no easy task, however, with the second place club still well in the hunt for the title.