ABBOTS LANGLEY second XI continued their winning sequence in Division Six with victory at Tewin on Saturday, June 7, to move into the top five of the table.

Billy Battams lit up the field with two spectacular catches in what was a high-quality fielding performance, but the plaudits were reserved for bowlers Sultan Taylor (4-40) and James Dunstone (3-30), who played leading roles in removing Tewin for 114.

The chase was little more than a canter as Battams (24 not out), Andrew Cox (23) and Malcolm Salmons (20) helped Abbots cruise to a six-wicket victory with overs in hand.

Unbeaten Harpenden third XI moved to the top the table after a solid performance against Chipperfield second XI earned them a comfortable four-wicket victory.

After winning the toss and putting Chipperfield into bat, Geoff Newman was well supported by the opening attack of Dave Robinson and Paul Baker, who both bowled long spells and shared eight of the wickets. Robinson’s 4-83 off 23 overs was only outdone for economy by Baker, who took 4-34 from 19 mean overs.

After a rocky start, which reduced them to 46-6, the visitors recovered well to reach 161 all out.

Harpenden also lost early wickets and were 18-3 after eight overs. But Lloyd Pankhurst, with 85 not out, which included 17 fours and a six, rescued his side.