Marlow paid the price for some lacklustre fielding as they went down to an 89-run defeat to Falkland in the Thames Valley Cricket League Division One.

Having lost the toss Marlow were handed the ball by their hosts on what looked to be a favourable wicket to bat on.

An opening partnership of 59 suggested Falkland were well set for a big total, but Marlow maintained their composure to keep the run rate down.

They would have had more joy in the wicket taking department had some dropped catches and a missed stumping not allowed Falkland’s batsmen to settle in.

None of the home side’s number made it beyond 50 as they made 244-8 from their 52 overs.

Jeremy Batty was the pick of the Marlow bowlers as he took 6-93 from his 20 overs to continue a decent run of recent form.

Falkland opted to open with spin at both ends in response and controlled matters from the outset to reduce Marlow to 21-2.

Joe Brown (35) and Kevin Hudson (43) looked to push the run rate on and enjoyed a partnership of 70 for the next wicket.

Marlow were in trouble once they had departed, however, and collapsed to 94-6 as the Falkland bowlers took control.

They eventually fell to 155 all out and will have to pick themselves up for a trip to Yateley on Saturday.