Marlow 2nd XI showcased their title credentials on Saturday at Nettlebed as they defeated Henley 3rd XI by 103 runs in a high-scoring encounter marked by disciplined batting, late-innings fireworks, and a magnificent lone hand from Henley’s opener Mehar Ali.

On an overcast afternoon, Marlow won the toss and had no hesitation in electing to bat first. Sitting top of the league, they opened with the dependable pair of Aslam and Arabi, making a steady start before Matt Donovan trapped Aslam LBW for 18 with the score on 36.

Aribi, unruffled, began to anchor the innings and found a formidable partner in Paskins. The duo built a crucial century stand, rotating the strike and punishing the bad ball in equal measure. Arabi notched up a well-paced 73 before playing on to Taimor-Ali, while Paskins contributed a classy 71 before falling LBW to Taylor.

The foundation laid, Marlow capitalised brilliantly in the final overs. Big hitting from Ben Paskins (42 off 24) and Khan (27 off 23) upped the tempo, but it was Oscar White’s explosive 49 off just 17 balls that turned a good score into a daunting one. The innings closed at a mammoth 316 for 5 from 45 overs.

Despite a fast outfield and a decent track, Henley were left rueing a lacklustre fielding display. The bowlers held their own admirably—Francesca Clarke, Taimoor Ali, and Donovan each contributing disciplined spells—but without regular wickets, the pressure mounted.

In reply, Henley needed a strong start, and openers Loveland and Mehar Ali initially delivered just that. Loveland looked in excellent touch with a fluent 17 off 15 before a misjudged call from Mehar-Ali led to a sharp run-out by Rackshaw, halting momentum.

What followed was a purposeful innings from MeharAli who batted with poise, patience, and purpose, carrying his bat through the innings for a superb 118 not out off 132 balls. However, with wickets tumbling around him, Henley never mounted a serious challenge to the imposing target.

It was only Ali Bagg (33) who offered any real support to Ali and Henley ended their innings on 213 for 9, well short of the target but not without a few bright spots.

Marlows bowlers shared the spoils, with Oscar White (2 for 30 from 9), Ben Rouse claimed 2 for 11 from six overs, and Rackshaw, who had earlier effected a crucial run out, picked up 2 for 58.