Chesham marked the halfway point in Division One of the Thames Valley Cricket League with a convincing five-wicket success against Kew on Saturday which keeps them within touching distance of the leaders.

Once again it was the runs of Andy Goddard (50) and brothers Jason (51) and Matt Rance (50) that took them to victory after they had bowled the hosts out for 196 after 48.3 overs.

The trio’s exploits saw Chesham overhaul their victory target for the loss of just five wickets after 42.3 overs.

A fourth win of the season moves Chesham up to fifth in the table – 15 points off the top and only one behind local rivals Marlow, who were defeated by league leaders Falkland.

A spirited display by Kevin Hudson’s team pushed the pacesetters all the way before they eventually succumbed to a two-wicket loss.

Marlow batted first and were bowled out for 192 after 37 overs with 5-63 from Bruce Martin doing the majority of the damage.

When the home side took to the field they put up a fight, ensuring that Falkland crawled over the line on 193-8 in the 55th over with county batsman Hamza Riazuddin making 62.

Jaz Batty took 5-80 for Marlow, who will now prepare to for a home match against Chesham on Saturday.

Elsewhere in Division One, Beaconsfield stay bottom despite picking up a win on their travels against Stoke Green.

Chris Thomas and his team chased down 108 to taste victory for only the third time this term, finishing on 110-7 after bowling Green out for 107.

A tough home match against second place Wokingham is on Beaconsfield’s agenda on Saturday.

A fine all-round performance from David Hughes D’Aeth inspired Chesham seconds to a five-wicket triumph against North Maidenhead in Division 2A.

D’Aeth took 4-25 as the visitors were bowled out for 213 before he top scored with 51 in the runs chase to help his side stay second in the table.

The leg spin of Chris Royals, who finished with figures of 6-48, was also a major factor in bowling Maidenhead out before Chris Morris and Max McIver both struck 47 as they secured the win in the 42nd over.

High Wycombe seconds fell to a second straight defeat in Division 2B after their score of 125 was overhauled by Henley with four wickets to spare.

Wycombe are currently fourth in the standings with a game against Burnham seconds to come on the weekend.

Three local sides were in action with mixed fortunes in Division 3B, Amersham seconds fared the best, romping to a 90-run triumph against Farnham Royal while Gerrards Cross’ second string lost by 29 runs and Marlow Park were beaten by four wickets.

Elsewhere, Wycombe Dragons, Princes Risborough, Chalfont St Peter, Beaconsfield seconds and Amersham thirds suffered defeats, while Chesham thirds and Marlow seconds picked up wins.