A superb unbeaten 139 from Rob Bell – his second century in a row - secured maximum points for Worcester Park over neighbours and promotion challengers Chessington on Saturday.

After being put into bat, Chessington set about their task well – taking 73 off Worcester Park’s opening bowlers before Andy White finally holed out to opposing skipper Dom Fell’s catch at cover.

By the time drinks were taken on 25 overs, Chessington had raced the score on to 121 without further loss and a mammoth total was looking on the cards.

Park skipper Fell then brought his spinner on to contain the batsmen and John Daniell - on his way to a fifer for 64 - and Waqas Sagar duly bowled the next 30 overs for just 122 runs. 242 was still a good total, and Park were well aware of Chessington’s bowling strength that was to come.

Indeed it was no surprise when Chessington captain Dan Yardley retained the old ball to open his attack with his spinners.

What he hadn’t taken into account, though, was the depth of Worcester Park’s batting: after losing Rob Waite early for just 8, Rob Bell and Dexter Smith sent Chessington’s fielders chasing hopeless causes all around the ground.

Only when the Chessington pace bowlers were brought on did the run rate slow and wickets began to fall.

At 139-5, still 103 behind with just 15 overs remaining, Park captain Dom Fell was close to settling for the winning draw but ordered his batsmen to be more aggressive in a final throw of the dice.

With Rob Bell still at the crease, 38 runs were duly scored off the next 5 overs which dramatically swung the game in Worcester Park’s favour.

Unsung heroes around Bell supported the innings with intelligent batting that brought Park to victory with 10 balls remaining and Rob Bell unbeaten on 139.

News that other nearest rivals had lost saw Park tighten their grip still further on the top slot – stretching their lead to 27 points.

Promotion isn’t yet assured with 63 points still up for grabs, and no one is counting chickens as yet.

Had Chessington won, they would have moved 8 points clear in second place, and just 5 points behind Worcester Park.

As it is, they’re now in mid-table and one of 5 teams within 7 points of second place. Worcester Park confidence, though, will be high when they visit the Old Ruts next week.