A four-wicket win over Datchet on Saturday earned Marlow 20 points and with it the TVL Division 2A title with one match remaining.

It was Marlow’s 13th win from 15 starts, seven of which have been maximum-pointers, and underlines their status as the most consistent team in a competitive division.

Captain Leigh Atkinson is delighted to have taken top-spot, saying: “It’s been a great year.

“In fact, if you look at the 2010 results then we have only lost three of our last 30 games.

“I set my stall out to introduce youth - players like Nick Paskins, Cameron Denton and Gary Lines), and recruit  older, trusted hands such as John Riddell, Simon Carter and Mark Dozell.

“I also made sure everyone knew their specific role in the team. We played four spinners as there seemed to be a dearth of them in the league and employed a pinch-hitter when chasing - both worked out well.”

Atkinson added: “It was a real team effort, the sum was greater than the parts. Our overseas player/coach Nathan McNally was outstanding on the pitch with 30-odd wickets and more than 600 runs and also invaluable off it.

“I’m not yet sure if he is coming back, if not he will be missed.”

Looking ahead to next season in Division 1 Atkinson is hoping his team will do more than make up the numbers.

“The plan is to catch people unaware,” he said. “No one, I am sure, can match our spin attack, and bowling is key to winning leagues. We have a wealth of players who have played and won at this level, so won’t be intimidated.

“We need to recruit two or three new heads to really challenge, which I think we can do.”

On Saturday, Marlow entertain Basingstoke 2nds, while Datchet - who will be looking to cement their place in third spot - are away to local rivals Windsor.