In a somewhat edgy contest Chesham, Chesham regained local bragging rights by defeating Amersham at the Meadow by three wickets.

A margin that could and should have been greater as the visitors were at one time 59/5. However, skipper Andy Viney (41) stood firm and his staunch resistance was then followed by an enterprising stand of 68 between Hugh Jackson (36) and Sam Helm (29), which, in spite of the collapse of the last three wickets for three runs, enabled Amersham to total 184 in the 58th over. F

For Chesham, Jason Rance (4/36) and Pip France (2/36) were the most successful bowlers, with Matt Yeabsley, Dom Goodman and Matt Rance each taking a wicket and one important run out.

Chesham’s reply began slowly against a hostile opening spell by Sam Helm (4/54) and the wiles of Maduka (2/47) and Robin Pritchard fell early.

However, an excellent partnership of 74 between Matt Rance (48) and Andy Goddard (41) developed before the former was comprehensively bowled by Helm on the brink of tea.

Goddard continued to fight hard, together with a hard hit 37 by Jason Rance, both falling when well set.

Mark Eteen (27) then played some pleasing strokes to take his side close to the target until three rather careless dismissals gifted Amersham an extra point before victory was eventually gained in the 50th over.