Marlow, Beaconsfield and Chesham all suffered defeats in the eighth round of fixtures in the Thames Valley Cricket League on Saturday.

A loss for the latter seemed unlikely after they compiled 259-9 from 50 overs, but that total proved inadequate against Yateley.

Once again Chesham’s top order produced the goods with Andy Goddard (73) and brothers Jason (52) and Matt Rance (40) laying solid foundations for their side.

However, the middle order failed to capitalise and only a late flurry from Dan Babula, who hit 40, helped them past the 250-mark.

Two dropped catches did little to help the home side’s cause in the field and the visitors romped to victory with four overs to spare, thanks in large part to a 94 from James Muir.

Defeat on Saturday leaves Chesham fifth in the table, one place behind local rivals Marlow, who take on Falkland this weekend on the back of a loss to Kew.

Kevin Hudson’s team had home advantage and after batting first they had reached 217-9 from 52 overs.

The victory target was easily overhauled by the away side as three half centuries from their top order helped them to a seven wicket success.

Beaconsfield’s torrid season continued as they were crushed by Eversley, replacing their opponents at the bottom of the table.

Chris Thomas’ team mustered only 70 all out from 31 overs before the visitors raced to 72-3 after just 11 overs as they romped to a seven wicket win.

Becky will hope to climb off the foot of the table when they host Stoke Green on Saturday.

In Division 2A Chesham seconds kept up the pressure on league leaders Windsor thanks to last over heroics from Chris Royals.

The bowler took the final two British Airways wickets in the final designated over to earn his side a 70-run victory.

Earlier, Matt Watson had struck 95 and Graham Rance contributed 48 as the hosts reached 250-6.

Chesham take on North Maidenhead on Saturday looking to close the 16-point gap at the top.

High Wycombe’s second XI fell to a heavy 184-run loss against Hurst in Division 2B.

John Stevens’ men were all out for 100 in pursuit of 284 to win, but they stay second in the table with a match against Henley seconds to come this weekend.

There were mixed fortunes for the local sides in Division 3B as Amersham cruised to a nine wicket win versus Teddington Town, Gerrards Cross drew with Kew and Marlow Park lost by 41 runs against Reading.

Elsewhere there were wins for Princes Risborough, Wycombe Dragons firsts and seconds, Amersham thirds and Chesham thirds.