Amersham’s bowlers showed the way to victory against Datchet on Saturday as they squeezed the life out of their opponents, laying the foundations for a comfortable seven-wicket win.

Luke Jackson’s side had been well beaten by Cove last weekend but they responded in excellent fashion in their latest Home Counties Division Two encounter – despite getting off to an inauspicious start at Shardeloes.

Having won the toss Amersham elected to field, a decision they may have been regretting as the visitors moved to 150-4 in the 28th over of their allotted 58.

But the remaining six wickets were to fall for the addition of only 49 runs, with Amersham’s Farhad Mullahzada tormentor in chief, taking 4-66 from his 16 overs.

The seamer was well supported by Sri Lankan Maduka Liyanapathiranage, who picked up three wickets for just 46 runs in a miserly 21 over spell, and Nicholas Buchanan (3-28), who cleaned up the tail end.

The 200-run winning target never looked likely to trouble the hosts, who were cruising to victory after a 103-run opening stand.

Seventeen-year-old Edward Bowcock was the first man to go after he was stumped having contributed a quick fire 69, which included 13 fours.

Opening partner Bruce Friderichs then shared a partnership of 94 with Andrew Viney (40) before he headed back to the pavilion having compiled a patient 76 off 128 balls.

Chris Cann (1*) came in to hit the winning run and seal Amersham’s fourth victory of the campaign, romping home in the 47th over with seven wickets in hand.