Wood escape relegation after Parkfield win (From Watford Observer)

Chorleywood Seconds escape relegation after Parkfield win

12:20pm Friday 7th September 2012 in Sport

SARACENS HERTS CRICKET LEAGUE

Division Five

Chorleywood Seconds secured their place in the division for another season as they picked up a dramatic 18-run win at Parkfield & Headstone.

Wood didn’t ever really get going with the bat and they were bowled out for just 115 after winning the toss.

Matt Rose continued to show his class as he top-scored with 37, but only Ryan Toms (37) and Josh Hodson (24) were able to offer any support as wickets fell regularly.

In reply, Wood put on an excellent display in the field as they skittled Parkfield for just 97.

The wickets were shared, with Russell Hodgkinson showing his experience to take three for 19.

There were two wickets apiece for Jamie Smithson, Lyndon Ryan and Josh Ryan as Wood picked up the most important 30 points of their season to finally steer clear of the danger of relegation.

Top-of-the-table West Herts Seconds were held to a draw at home to Watford Town Seconds.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Town made a quick start with the ball as they reduced their opponents to 23 for two.

But James Phang was in imperious form as he played brilliantly to top score with 117 off 114 balls.

Dan Grahame (35) and Mike Hodges (29) also provided good knocks as the Stags posted a total of 231 for five from 48 overs.

In response, Paul Ferrett and Raoul Harding quickly attacked the top order to leave the Watford innings on 18 for four.

Mohit Mashar (35), Gunjan Hazarika (27) and Gulfraz Riaz (40 not out) were the only batsmen to reach double figures as they ended on 126 for seven to secure the draw.

Ferrett and Harding both took two wickets and Duncan Hodges recorded two for 16 off 12 overs. Vinesh Gorasia was the other wicket taker for the leaders.

Division Six

Kings Langley Seconds remain in the relegation mix after they were beaten by five wickets against Flamstead.

Batting first, Langley struggled with the bat and were bowled all out for 108 in 38 overs.

It didn’t take long for Flamstead to complete their run chase as they got home in the 29th over.

Northwood Seconds secured an eight-wicket win in their relegation battle against Eversholt Seconds.

Eversholt batted first and looked set to score well over 200 until Brian Ward came on to bowl.

His three for 51 in 13 overs slowed the pace and with Iyazz Shariff taking three for 91, Eversholt ended up on 208 for seven.

Northwood set about chasing the total, with Keith Watson and Nigel Hussey putting on 171 for the second wicket.

Watson scored 100 before being caught but Hussey continued and ended on 23 not out as the target was reached for the loss of two wickets with two overs to spare.

Division Seven

Abbots Langley Seconds claimed a narrow one-wicket victory in a hard-fought contest against St Albans Thirds.

Bowling first, Steve Wallis and Matt Parkins both put in good spells to keep things tight during the St Albans innings.

It was Andrew Rueth who did the major damage to the St Albans batting order though, as he took five wickets for 22 runs.

Langley managed to dismiss St Albans for 126 and went about chasing down that total.

However, Abbots made hard work of their reply and struggled to 50 for six. But the lower order helped Langley inch their way home.

A vital stand between Wallis and Mark Bishop of 16 helped get Abbots get over the line to record their ninth win of the season.