BEDDINGTON lead the table as they enter this season's timed format matches after four consecutive victories in the first set of 50-over games.

Their latest win was a resounding triumph over Egham last Saturday, in which Ian Gamble made a fluent 63.

Having been inserted by Egham, Beddington got off to a positive start with Gamble finding early boundaries. He and captain Antony Down compiled the main partnership of the innings putting on 69 for the third wicket.

But when Gamble departed and was quickly followed by overseas player Paresh Vallabh with the score on 117-4, the innings looked in the balance.

The arrival of all-rounder Ryan Cummins ensured stability and an increased run rate towards the final overs. Down was dismissed for 55 and Cummins a quick-fire 44 as Beddington posted a challenging 226-7 off their 50 overs.

With time lost to rain Egham were set a reduced total of 187 from 35 overs but Beddington were confident over victory especially once Cummins dismissed their dangerous overseas player early for five.

Wickets continued to fall regularly as Beddington rushed through the overs. A superb stumping by wicketkeeper David White emphasised the high standard of fielding and accurate bowling as Egham were dismissed for a meagre 60. Cummins was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-7 and Shaun Lewis with 3-10.

Beddington's second XI suffered defeat at Walton-on-Thames in another rain-affected match.

With the overs reduced to 35 per side, Walton set a huge target of 287. Beddington were never in the race but 58 from Dance and 50 not out from Murphy took the visitors to within 65 of the target before running out of overs.

The third XI suffered a surprise defeat at home to Valley End being bowled out for just 60 chasing the small target of 136.