BEECHES moved a dozen points clear at the top of Division I in the NatWest Evening Cricket League last night after taking maximum points without bowling a ball.

Scheduled opponents St Ouen were unable to raise a side so forced to scratch they therefore suffered their first reversal of the season.

Hautlians and Pentagon took advantage of St Ouen’s misfortune to move into second and third places respectively.

Danny Bertram (pictured) and Neal Crowell both retired after making half centuries for Hautlians in a 42-run win against St John at FB1. Bertram struck seven fours and Crowell five helping Hautlians to 143 for 3 from their twelve overs. Despite an undefeated 52 from Jon Evans, seven boundaries, St John were always behind the run-rate.

Kevan Crowell also played a part delivering a rare Evening League maiden for the victors.

Pentagon defeated Ashburton with 2.4 overs to spare at LQ1 where Ashburton were reduced to seven runs for five wickets at one stage and all five batsmen dismissed departed without scoring!

Ryan Driver and Karl Le Fèvre did the damage in three over spells, Driver returning excellent figures of two wickets for four runs and Le Fèvre three for 15.