Henley 3rd XI secured an impressive 31-run victory away to Purley on Thames after a superb century from Mehar Ali and a disciplined all-round bowling performance.

Captain Mani Atwal won the toss and elected to bat, although Henley suffered an early setback when Amey Kate was dismissed with the score on nine.

Atwal and Ali steadied the innings with a 64-run partnership, the skipper striking seven boundaries in his 32 before falling at 73 for two. Haider-Ali Baig then contributed 20 as Ali continued to build an excellent innings.

The decisive partnership came between Ali and wicketkeeper Chris Dyer. The pair added 90 for the fourth wicket, with Dyer providing valuable support through a patient 28.

Ali went on to complete a superb century and eventually departed for 109 from 117 balls, having struck 15 fours. His innings helped Henley post a competitive 231 for six from their 45 overs.

Purley made a positive start to their reply, with Ben Hardy and Louis Harris putting on 57 for the opening wicket. However, Taimoor-Ali Baig removed Hardy for 21 before Ali dismissed Harris for 30 without another run being added.

Thangaraj Senniappan briefly threatened to swing the match in Purley’s favour with a rapid 32 from just 14 deliveries. Rowan Garfath-Nebbett ended his counterattack before Ali struck twice in quick succession, removing Ian Dawkins and Purley captain Drew Jackson.

Purley slipped from 57 without loss to 119 for six, leaving Chris Priestley to attempt to rebuild the innings. Priestley batted well for an unbeaten 57, but wickets continued to fall around him.

Haider-Ali Baig returned excellent figures of three for 23, while Ali completed a fine all-round display with three wickets. Garfath-Nebbett claimed two for 28, with Taimoor-Ali Baig and Sean Taylor taking one wicket apiece.

Taylor secured the final wicket as Purley were bowled out for 200 in the 39th over, completing a well-earned victory for Henley.

Henley 3rd XI 231-6 beat Purley on Thames 2nd XI 200 all out by 31 runs.