Eaton Socon strengthened their grip on top spot in Tucker Gardner League Division Two title yesterday.

The locals lead the way by 23 points at the halfway stage of the campaign following a comprehensive 138-run success over Abington.

Jonny Carpenter top-scored with 69 as the hosts posted 236-3 before three different bowlers bagged three wickets apiece as Abington were skittled for just 98.

Matthew Taylor (3-8), Mickey Hay (3-14) and Ryan Vale (3-24) were the men to impress with the ball while Carpenter mopped up the other wicket for a team whose sole defeat this term came on the opening day of the season.

Title rivals Blunham were forced out of action yesterday after three players were involved in a car crash while travelling to their game at Fordham. League officials have indicated that fixture will now be played later in the season.

Huntingdon & District climbed into second spot after coming through a low-scoring clash at Sawston & Babraham by 26 runs. Their effort of 147 proved enough as they dismissed the hosts for 121 with Gary Mills excelling. He took 4-37 and Nik Kumpukkal bagged 3-44 to see them home.

Mark Roberts took centre-stage as Kimbolton triumphed by 83 runs in an all-local affair at St Ives to move into third place.

The villagers made 152 before sending their hosts packing for just 69 as Roberts claimed figures of 6-22.

SCORES

EATON SOCON beat ABINGTON by 138 runs

Eaton Socon 236-3 (J. Carpenter 69, T. Banks 44, M. Hay 38).

Abington 98 (M. Taylor 3-8, M. Hay 3-14, R. Vale 3-24).

SAWSTON & BABRAHAM lost to HUNTINGDON & DISTRICT by 26 runs

Huntingdon & District 147 (N. Ahmed 41).

Sawston & Babraham 121 (G. Mills 4-37, N. Kumpukkal 3-44).

ST IVES lost to KIMBOLTON by 83 runs

Kimbolton 152 (S. Lambert 37, S. Asplin 3-19, B. Thomas 3-21).

St Ives 69 (M. Roberts 6-22).