Horspath's bid to pull off a Houdini act in Division 2 West will go to the last game of the season after their clash against Slough was abandoned due to rain with the visitors 49-3 after being put in to bat.

Having been bottom for the last four weeks, Adam Krol’s side could still secure a great escape with victory at his old club and fellow relegation candidates, Thame Town, in next Saturday’s finale.

Should Reading get the better of their home game against Gerrards Cross – two other contenders for the drop – Horspath’s match with Thame effectively becomes a winner-takes-all clash in the fight to stay up.

And yet Horspath could be in a better position, but for the rain which washed out the game against Slough.

After enjoying a rare success at the toss, Horspath put Slough in to bat in seamer-friendly conditions, after morning rain.

This led to a delayed start, but after terrific work by the groundstaff the game got under way at noon.

Will Eason, back after two weeks holiday, quickly reduced Slough to 12-2 by trapping Shaan Khan lbw for two and then having Kuran Kumar well caught by Krol at slip.

Eason’s opening partner, Mohson Rana, was unable to dislodge his brother, Shazad, who opened the batting for Slough.

But he did claim the prize scalp of Slough captain Bobby Sher, caught behind by Andy Wynd for 12 to leave the visitors 38-3 at lunch.

However, only 15 minutes more play was possible after the break following more heavy rain and the match was finally abandoned at 3.10pm.