DATCHET returned to winning form at The Wally Gage Memorial Ground after an eight-run victory against relegated rivals Slough on Saturday, writes Rob Stevens.

Datchet had not won at home in three matches since the victory over Finchampstead back in July and their success keeps them in third position in Division One of the Home Counties Premier League.

The home team won the coin toss and elected to bat first, reaching 207-9 from their allotted 50 overs.

Captain and opening batsman Steven Naylor was the leading runs scorer with 51 from 91 balls including three boundaries and one maximum hit. It is his third half-century of the season and takes his average to 25.06.

Naylor and fellow opener Joe Barrett (34) put on 56 runs for the first wicket.

Ikhlaq Nawaz led the Slough bowling attack from the front with his figures of 3-43 from 10 overs which included the wicket of Berkshire star Chris Peploe (12), caught by Fasil Noor.

The visitors were set a revised target of 208 runs from 49 overs after the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method was applied but fell narrowly short, all out for 199 in 42.4 overs.

Number seven Nabil Shah top-scored with 55 runs from 42 balls including seven boundaries and two maximum hits. It is his first half-century of the summer.

Harish Kakani, batting at number four, made 51 from 73 balls including 10 boundaries, for just his second half-century in senior cricket.

The pick of the Datchet bowling attack was Oliver Birts with his figures of 3-49 from 10 overs which included the wicket of Kakani, caught by James Morris.

Datchet finish the season with a trip to Henley, who have successfully defended their Division One title and completed a hat-trick of league championship wins this Saturday (11am start).

Slough will return to Upton Court Park to play their final game in Division One with Berkshire rivals Finchampstead the visitors.