Gerrards Cross' promotion hopes to a massive knock as they lost their first game in six against Cove.

Unbeaten in their last five league games, Gerrards Cross travelled to second placed Cove on Saturday, in hope of victory that would close the gap at the top of the table.  

Having won the toss and choosing to bowl, Cove restricted Gerrards Cross to two per over for the opening 15 overs of the match. 

A patient 46 from Dan Hampton set a platform for Billy Hunt (39) and Burhan Mirza (28*) to end the innings strongly. GX finished 188 all out from their 52 overs, slightly below what they felt would be a winning total. Thomas Redhead's 5-44 at the back end of the innings meant the Cross never really built up any momentum. 

James Marsh (53) and Stanley Marisa (71) put on a hard fought century opening stand before the Cross bowlers started to make inroads.

Although Cove had a slight wobble in the middle order, they were able to win by five wickets before the rain set in, keeping within touching distance of leaders Cookham Dean.  

Gerrards Cross host Falkland at Dukes Lane this Saturday, where they’ll hope to bounce back to winning ways.