RICHARD Baker scored his second century in three weeks as Thurston ran up a 123-run win away to Easton II.

RICHARD Baker scored his second century in three weeks as Thurston ran up a 123-run win away to Easton II.

His 103, supported by 42 from Paul Cook, 33 from Dave Elworthy and 30 from Neil Baker, ensured a winning total of 247 for six. Easton II could only manage 124 for eight in reply.

Division Two leaders Walsham were involved in a great game at home to bottom team Wortham. Liam Bryant scored 69 before retiring hurt as Walsham posted a total of 209 and C Farrant replied with 83 as Wortham fell just seven runs short at 202 for nine in reply. But that narrow margin means Walsham are still unbeaten at the top, and Wortham have still to win a game at the bottom.

Exning II are waiting to pounce if Walsham do slip up, holding second place by a wide margin after beating Great Yeldham by 116 runs. Peter Allen hit 22 fours and a six in an innings of 144, with Andrew Longfield (46 not out) and Sam Readman (26 not out) sharing an unbroken seventh-wicket partnership that hoisted the final tally to 328 for six. Yeldham made 212 for seven in reply (S Marks 63, P Brown 49).

Capel have had a tough season, but they had something to smile about as they overhauled the Needham Lions total of 227 for nine to win by five wickets in the last over. Andy Bonfield (95), John Howe (52), Derek Martin (34 not out) and Steve Bumphrey (27) were their main run-scorers.

There was another terrific finish at Earl Stonham. The home team scored 197 for seven, with S Edgar leading the way with 80. Then Stowupland slumped to 58 for six in reply, and all seemed lost. But Shaun Langford then produced his first century for the club and shared an unbroken partnership of 140 with H Nabi (38 not out) to record an unlikely four-wicket win.