The runs flowed for Aston Rowant at Finchampstead, but they still fell to a third successive loss in Divsion 2.

Choosing to bat first, Rowant rattled up 268-8 from their 50 overs on Saturday, but the hosts got home with four wickets and 16 balls to spare.

The early part of their innings was dominated by Richard Cook who, despite losing partners Tim Morgan and Damian Shirazi cheaply, made a fluent 50 before being third out at 84.

Skipper Josh Smith and Chris Watling added 90 for the fourth wicket, before Smith went for 51, while Watling (61) fell in the chase for late runs.

Andrew Dyer, with help from the lower order, ensured the visitors set a testing target of 269 from their 50 overs.

With Dyer taking two early wickets, Finchampstead seemed in trouble at 66-3 But they were scoring at a brisk rate, with Rowant’s seam attack conceding seven runs per over.

Only the younger slower bowlers Sasha Barras and Adam Muttitt were able to put a break of proceedings.

However, rapid half-centuries from Dan Marles, and Andrew House kept Finchampstead up with the clock.

And Rowant were powerless to prevent Lachlan Ferguson and Max Stevenson seeing the hosts home.