A BRILLIANT opening stand of 199 between Andy Danson and skipper Alistair Storie helped Beaconsfield to a seven-wicket victory over bottom club Luton to banish any fears of relegation from Division One of the Home Counties League.

Chasing a victory target of 228, Beaconsfield's openers made light of a slow pitch and punished some inaccurate bowling to put on 199 in 45 overs before both were out at the same total.

Former Cambridge Blue Danson was the dominant partner with Beaconsfield's first league century of the season - 112 made off only 133 balls with 11 fours and three sixes. Storie's 78 off 139 balls was no less important.

After both departed, Simon Perks was run out by the bowler backing up, before victory was achieved with nine balls to spare in a match reduced by four overs, after a delayed start caused by heavy overnight rain.

Winning the toss, Luton made a great start but were hauled back by a superb spell from Paul Woodroffe, who captured six for 61 in 17 overs. He received particularly good support from Denzil Owen in a tight spell.

The result means that Radlett and Luton will be relegated, provided both division two champions want to come up.