Herts Cricket League

Division Ten

Chorleywood Thirds were once again grateful to a strong lower-order batting recovery as they secured a comfortable 151-run win at Botany Bay Thirds.

Having been asked to bat first, Wood found themselves in trouble on 53 for seven.

But Harry Hardcastle (56 not out), Gavin Brown (13), Nigel Tyler (12) and Ciaran Ladd (51) all produced solid knocks to get the side to 193.

Wood then continued their good work in the field as they bowled Bay out for just 42.

Tyler and Brown carried on their excellent performances with four and two wickets respectively while Dave Harrigan chipped in with three for five from his 5.3 overs.

That sealed Wood’s third successive victory in just the 27th over and moved them into the top half of the table.

Northwood Thirds remain in the bottom half of the table after they were beaten by six wickets against Hatfield & Crusaders Fourths.

Wood batted first and could only manage a total of 141 before being dismissed.

Hatfield had little trouble chasing down the runs and sealing victory despite Mobo Bailey taking three for 28.

Division 11 West

Hemel Hempstead Town Fifths couldn’t break the final-wicket partnership between George Hutchinson and Dan Webb as they drew with Boxmoor Thirds.

Hemel had amassed a strong total of 239 for five from their 43 overs with Mike Samuels top-scoring with 96 and Nick Benson adding 69.

Captain Tony Linfoot took three for 21 and Chris Pearson claimed three for 37 but it wasn’t enough for Hemel as they were unable to dislodge Hutchinson (10 not out) and Webb (18 not out).

Ten-man Langleybury Fourths were beaten by two wickets by Chipperfield Clarendon Thirds.

Bury won the toss, elected to bat and went on to post a total of 137 with contributions from Mark Ellis (35) and Josh Spinks (20).

In reply Chipperfield Clarendon lost wickets at regular intervals. Spinks bowled with aggression and took three for 41 while youngster Lewis Denham ended with two for 30. Chris Coleman snared two for 16.

Despite these efforts Clarendon reached their total in the 45th over for the loss of eight wickets.

Division 12 West

Watford Town Fourths continued their title charge with a two-wicket victory against Frogmore Seconds.

Town fielded first and restricted their opponents to 139 all out.

After a very shaky start to their batting, Sandeep Singh (47) and wicket keeper James O’Gorman (44) steadied the innings and ensured the side recorded another victory and kept their place at the top of the table.

Kings Langley Fourths lost ground on the teams at the summit after they were beaten by two wickets against Harpenden Fourths.

Batting first, Kings could only manage 118 before being bowled out. Warwick Smith scored 26 and Dave Barton 18.

However, the bowlers made Harpenden work hard for their win which was achieved in the 37th over.

Josh Lloyd took three for 27, Tony Thompson ended with two for 16 and Joe Sambidge claimed two for 25.

Chorleywood Fourths kept up the pressure on the league leaders with a six-wicket win at home to Leverstock Green Fourths.

Green batted first and joined the long list of teams this season that have fallen victim to the wiles of Wood’s Mick Rose.

He notched up his best figures of the season so far as he ran through the visitors batting line-up, finishing with seven for 65 from his 23 overs.

Amy Hensman and Chris Wheal were the other wicket-takers as Green posted 185 for nine from their 47 overs. Teenager Wasim Saleem top-scored for Green with 28.

Wood skipper Simon Dare then led from the front as he saw his side to victory with an unbeaten 98.

He was supported by Josh Livingstone (36) as Chorleywood eased to victory with 14 balls remaining.

Friendly

Chorleywood’s Sunday second XI notched up a victory over the club’s Strollers in a special friendly match.

The Strollers batted first and posted a respectable 208 for nine with Pat Fullerton top-scoring with 50.

Harry Brooks was the pick of the Seconds’ bowlers as he took five for 28 from his 11.3 overs.
With the bat, the Seconds got off to a flying start with half-centuries for openers Ben Brooks and Callum Neal.

Both retired to allow the rest of their side some time at the crease. Brooks continued his good game with 28 lower down the order before Simon Dare saw his side home to secure the win in a memorable day for Chorleywood.