GERRARDS Cross remain in a relegation battle after a nine wicket hammering by Harefield.

Dan Hampton was the only Cross batsman to show any resistance as he contributed 37 of his side’s 100 runs, with three men being dismissed for ducks and a further five made single figure contributions.

Harefield’s Mluleki Nkala did most of the damage, taking 6-33 from his 18 overs, and although an early Harefield wicket fell they swept to victory in 26 overs.

Elsewhere an unbeaten 72 from Chris Thomas helped Beaconsfield to a seven wicket win at Finchampstead, with James Rendell’s 5-61 restricting the hosts to 171-9.

Chesham missed the chance to go top of the table as they were beaten by 46 runs at Reading 2s despite Aftab Habib’s half century, while Marlow’s winless season continues as they failed to overhaul Reading 1s in their run chase, having dismissed the league leaders for 171.