Herts Cricket League

Division Eight

Hemel Hempstead Fourths played out a draw with promotion-chasing Langleybury Thirds.

Hemel lost the toss and started the game at the crease. Dave Jenkins top-scored with 52 and Steve Smith added 37 as Hemel set a total of 185 for seven.

In reply, Graeme Roe led Langleybury’ s innings to reach 76 but when he and Eddie Gunning (21) were out, the chances of a victory evaporated and Bury finished eight runs short on 176 for six.

Jenkins claimed two for 13 with the ball while Richard Morton ended with two for 49.

Division Nine

Kings Langley Thirds have moved up to third in the table after they completed a five-wicket win against Boxmoor Seconds.

After winning the toss and deciding to bat first, Boxmoor were dismissed for 151.

Shikern Panchanadeeswaran impressed with four for 50 while David Burnell (three for 41), Luke O’Dell (two for 17) and Mark Tasker (one for 17) were the other wicket takers.

Sifan Naeem scored a brisk 38 in reply for Kings and Logan Turner was undefeated with 45 as Langley cruised to victory.

Leverstock Green Thirds completed a nine-wicket win at Knebworth Park Fourths.

Brett Baney’s four for 48 and three for 24 from Greg Coulshed meant Levy’s seam attack never let the hosts get going, Knebworth ending on 124 for nine from their rain-reduced 40 overs.

Teenager Connor Church marked his first match in 2014 with an unbeaten 58 as he and Stuart Evans (36 not out) saw Green to the win.

Abbots Langley Thirds crashed to a humiliating 129-run defeat against Hatfield & Crusaders Thirds.

Abbots started the game in the field but did well and looked in control of the contest. Paresh Solanki (three for 23) and Bob Russell (two for 40) had Crusaders tottering at 110 seven.

But they eventually ended up on an imposing 200 for nine.

Unfortunately, Abbots were never in the hunt with only Richard Merritt (19) and Solanki (10), getting to double figures as they were rolled over for 71.

Division Ten

Chorleywood Thirds recovered from a shaky start to eventually run out convincing 129-run winners against Hatfield & Crusaders Fourths.

Having been asked to bat first after a brief rain delay, Wood struggled to 65 for five before a superb unbroken stand of 157 between Dave Brabham and David Harrigan put them firmly in control.

Brabham finished unbeaten on 74 whilst Harrigan hit 72 not out as both took advantage of Hatfield’s tiring attack and scored freely all around the ground to allow Wood to declare on 222 for five after 46 overs.

Wood’s attack then quickly got stuck into the visitors’ batting line-up. They took wickets early and never allowed Hatfield to build a significant partnership.

Mark Fletcher (three for 29) and Gavin Brown (two for 20) did the damage at the top of the order before Nigel Tyler moved in and picked up four for ten from his seven overs to virtually finish the game.

Fittingly, Harrigan continued his excellent day by taking the final wicket as Hatfield were bowled out for just 93 in the 34th over.