The top two teams in Division One clashed at Fuji last weekend, with both teams protecting unbeaten records thus far.

What promised to be a tight contest proved however to be anything but, as Tokyo Wombats demolished the Chiba Sharks in ruthless fashion.

Yet another half century from Captain Alex Patmore at the top of the order set Wombats on their way to 114/1 at the halfway stage, only for the Sharks to then enjoy their best part of the day.

Vivek Singh dislodged the obdurate Patmore on his way to 4/30, and as wickets tumbled it was left to Gavin Beath to slug three maximums as his run-a-ball 46 made sure the hard work of the top order was not wasted and carry Wombats to 216 all out.

Faced with a target that was challenging but not impossible, the Sharks collapsed at the top and never recovered. Yusry Mohideen started the rot by dismissing two of the top three before Rony Taluqdar made sure there would be no recovery by taking 5/14 as the Sharks were dismissed for just 90 inside 20 overs giving Wombats the win by 126 runs plus a bonus point.

An extra touch of class was shown at the end with both teams coming together to join in a rendition of Happy Birthday in honour of Sharks 12^th man Kris Bayne; proving the spirit of cricket is alive and well.

While defeated finalists Wombats have been in fine form this season, the 2015 Champions MAX CC have struggled. A victory against the Tigers last week seems to have renewed confidence and they followed up with a crushing win against the hapless Paddy Foley’s, who remain at the foot of the table after four straight defeats.

Paddy’s batted first and struggled to 112 all out from 34 overs at Sano Three with Makoto Taniyama the pick of the bowlers taking 3/16 from his allotted eight overs.

The chase was over in the blink of an eye as Hanif Khan took just 35 balls to smash an unbeaten 82* including four sixes and 11 boundaries. Opening partner Amigo Kobayashi simply watched on at the other end as the 10-wicket win was secured in just 10.4 overs to grab MAX a bonus point win.

In the final match of the round, played at the SICG, Wyverns beat Sano to earn their second win of the season and leapfrogged their opponents in the table, thanks to a bonus point.

The win was gained in similar fashion to the previous round – bat first and put runs on the board. This time it was Raheel Kano, promoted to open the batting against his former club, who anchored the innings on his way to 70, ably supported by Ken Okoshi (36) in a strong opening stand.

The total of 213/7 proved too tall for Sano, who were then put to the sword by another former player. Shodai Yamada ran through the top order, taking 4/30 and meant that Wyverns were always in control of the match. The winning margin of 90 runs drops Sano to 6^th in the table after being dismissed for 123 in 28 overs.

Round Six will all take place this Saturday, May 21^st as Wombats return to Fuji to take on Tigers, sharks will want to bounce back against Paddy Foley’s at SICG and the rejuvenated Wyverns and MAX face off at Sano Three.