Amersham climbed to second place of Thames Valley League Division 1 after coming from behind to overwhelm Marlow on Saturday.

After electing to bat first on hard and flat wicket, Amersham slumped to 50-7 in the face of keen Marlow bowling and fielding. Seam-bowlers James Bovill and Nadeem Baig found uncomfortable bounce and seam movement while master off-spinner JJ Haq teased Amersham with his flight and turn. However, Matt Crawley (77) shifted the momentum of the game with a display of powerful and controlled hitting to drag Amersham to a competitive total, well supported by defiant innings from the lower order.

Inspired by his innings, Crawley then delivered an exemplary spell of pace bowling, finding seam movement and pinning the batsmen to the crease with judicious use of short deliveries. At the other end, Chris Owen found a good line and length to maintain the pressure on Marlow. This combination proved very effective as wickets fell regularly and Marlow were dismissed in quick time. Crawley and Owen shared the wickets and were well supported by excellent catching by wicket-keeper Rob Viney and the slip cordon.