Herts Cricket League

Division Ten

Northwood Thirds sealed a narrow three-run victory against Hitchin Thirds.

Wood batted first and struggled to 133 all out. Masood Ahmed was their top scorer with 41 while Paul Reeve added a productive 25.

It wasn’t a large total but it was just enough for Northwood to hold on to victory. Ahmed ended with five for 29 as Hitchin were all out for 130.

Division 11 East

Langleybury Fourths were beaten by four wickets against Redbourn Fourths.

Having lost the toss and being asked to bat, Bury went on to set a total of 174 for six with only Ray McHugh (40) getting beyond the twenties.

Bury weren’t up to scratch with the ball but there were good spells from Raj Mullapudi and Russ Gilbert while Tom Warrell ended with five wickets.

However, too many loose deliveries saw Redbourn cruise home with 13 overs and six wickets to spare.

Division 11 West

Rickmansworth Fourths recorded a 26-run win against Bushey Thirds, thanks in part to a strong opening partnership between Adeel Khan and Patrick Ensor.

Khan (73) and Ensor (38) put on 100 for the first wicket but this fine start was then followed by a collapse as Rickmansworth subsided to 165 all out with Rizzy Ahmed contributing 24.

Bushey looked well placed at 100 for two but wickets soon tumbled, slumping to 139 all out with Aamer Khan and Bilal Mohammed taking four wickets apiece.

There was a first league win of the season for Hemel Hempstead Fifths as they defeated Harpenden Fifths by 24 runs.

Hemel batted first and a fine knock from Mike Samuels (106) put the home side in control. Captain Tony Linfoot added 73 not out and Hemel finished on a strong total of 210 for four.

Harpenden’s reply was led by Ian Wedd, who played a stubborn 62. He wasn’t supported throughout the innings and Hemel were able to skittle their opponents for 186.

Trevor Radcliffe (three for 18) and Dan Turbutt (five for 65) did the damage with the ball for the hosts.

Division 12 West

Chorleywood Fourths had to be content with a draw from their match at Frogmore Seconds – a game dominated by the batsmen.

Batting first, Wood were able to declare on 197 for six after 41 overs. Charles Hardcastle scored 52 while number eight Matt Hodson hit a remarkable 58 from just 28 balls faced.

Hodson, dominated the bowling from the start and scored boundaries all around the ground – including hitting 28 runs from one over as the field scattered.

With the ball, Wood found the going hard. Frogmore initially looked like they could chase down their target but eventually settled for the draw and batted out the latter overs.

Gary Procter applied some pressure with three for 25 from his ten overs whilst Mick Rose picked up a couple of wickets late on.

History was made as two Watford Town sides faced off in a league match for the first time and it was the Fourth team which celebrated victory as they overcame the Fifths by nine wickets.

The Fourths won the toss and bowled their opponents out for just 37. Asif Khan (four for nine) and John Peppit (three for ten) ripped through their batting order.

In reply, captain John Crosdil hit 24 off 14 balls to secure victory for the Fourths.

Abbots Langley Fourths were left frustrated against Shenley Village Fourths and had to settle for a draw.

Batting first, Abbots lost a wicket from the first ball of the innings. That brought Mathew Longworth to the crease and he dominated the contest with a superb 128 not out, his maiden century for the club. Tom Ruxton Junior added a useful 52 as Langley ended on 243 for three.

With the ball, Abbots always had Shenley in trouble with Scott Nixon taking two for 26 and Jerry Graves three for 22. However, Village were able to hang on to their final wicket to earn a share of the spoils.

A strong batting display helped Rickmansworth Fifths convincingly beat Harpenden Fourths by 107 runs.

Winning the toss and batting first Rickmansworth scored an impressive 256 for six.

Openers Daniel Bagley (64) and Ian Milligan (54) put on a 100-partnership for the first wicket while further scores from Jaimin Patel (24) and Jason Robinson (58 not out) saw Ricky post a strong total.

In reply Harpenden batted well with their opener also going past 50. Harpenden were scoring at a good rate but wickets were also starting to tumble with Neil Raithatha (five for 52) and Brendan Lindsay (four for 59) bowling well in tandem. They rattled though the tail to take Rickmansworth to a deserved win.