BOBBY Sher admits Slough moving to the top of the Home Counties Premier League ‘does not mean anything at this stage’ as they gear up for a trip to reigning champions Henley tomorrow (Saturday).

Sher’s side sit a point clear of High Wycombe after recording a convincing seven-wicket win against Finchampstead on Saturday, with seven matches having been played.

The skipper admitted he is pleased with his side’s start to the season, but also offered a note of warning, telling the Observer: “It’s looking quite good for us at the moment, but I’m experienced enough to know being top at this stage doesn’t mean anything.

“We’re playing some good cricket and enjoying ourselves, but I know there is room for improvement which is a good thing.”

Slough produced an emphatic performance to see off Finch, restricting the visitors to 235-9 with Muhammad Haroon (4-59 from 22 overs) and Ali Raja (3-85 from 22) impressing.

The home side lost Yaqoot Rafiq and Conrad Louth cheaply, and, when Fahim Qureshi fell for 33, there was scope for trouble.

However, a brilliant partnership between Shahid Yousuf (116no) and Daniyal Akhtar (72no) steered them to victory.

Yousuf’s knock lifted him to third in the divisional run-scoring charts with 304 at an average of 76, with Louth (299 at 42.71) and Qureshi (275 at 39.29) also among the top 10.

And Sher said he was pleased with his side’s improved batting unit, commenting: “I’ve been asking the middle order to step up and Shahid showed his experience and Danyal batted very well.

“We are batting better this year and we still have Shaan Khan to come back hopefully next week.”

Turning his attention to a Henley side which Slough remarkably have not beaten in the league since 2007 – when former internationals Nantie Hayward and Chris Lewis were among their ranks – Sher admitted: “I know exactly what to expect from Henley who are an excellent side. It’s been many, many years since we beat them in the league, although we’ve had opportunities which we haven’t taken.

“Hopefully this time we can do that and come back with a positive result, whether it’s a win or a draw. It’s an important game and we are going to have to play well because they have some outstanding players.”

With just five points separating the top five teams, Sher also revealed why he believes the league has changed.

He said: “In terms of competition it’s better, but the standard has dropped in the last five or six years.

“In the last few years a couple of sides have stood out, but Henley, High Wycombe and Finchampstead have lost one or two players and sides like us, Banbury and Aston Rowant have gained one or two, so it is much more competitive.

“It’s very close and we’ve got two of the top teams to play before we’re halfway (Henley and High Wycombe), but we’re pleased where we are and if we can stay in the top four at the end of the season that would be good.”