Simon Walker hit 92 for Kings Langley as they reached the second round of the Watford Observer Fourteen14 Shield, beating Hemel Hempstead Town by 31 runs.

Having won the toss, Kings opted to make first use of the wicket and Walker’s unbeaten innings was built upon by Paul Ashford (26) and Mark Brazier (21).

Kings reached 146 for two, with Brad Finch and Adam Moulster taking the wickets for Hemel.

The visitors started encouragingly via Jay O’Nien (35) but soon tailed off as Daniel Donaldson (five for 24) ripped into the Hemel line-up to reduce the visitors to 116 for nine.

An unbeaten half-century from Karan Joshi saw Met Police Bushey beat Watford Town B by three runs.

Joshi (56 not out) and Harry Blagden (59) put on the decisive knocks as Bushey reached 156 for three.

Watford looked to be well on their way to the win after Chris Hutchinson (34) and Abu Choudhury (24) came to the crease.

But Mark Parkinson (two for 31) and Joshi (two for 38) restricted Watford to 152 for five.

Frogmore are also through to round two after a seven-wicket win against Aldenham.

Inserted into bat, Aldenham made 129 for seven with Charlie Munroe’s unbeaten 47 the highlight.

However, Frogmore chased that total down in 12.3 overs, Jack Massey (55 not out) and Jayson Blom (28) completing the job.

Watford Grammar School for Boys overcame Rickmansworth School Staff with ease, racing home by eight wickets.

Batting first Ricky were removed for just 92, leaving Watford Grammar with the relatively simple task of reaching 93 with eight wickets in hand.

Following the completion of the first round, the four defeated sides will compete in the Plate.

Shield second round (matches to be played by Friday, May 29 – seeds in bold): Radlett v Met Police Bushey; Frogmore v Leverstock Green B; West Herts v Bushey; Langleybury A v Watford Grammar School for Boys; Abbots Langley v Leverstock Green A; Kings Langley v Chipperfield Clarendon; Watford Town A v Watford Haidery B; Langleybury B v Watford Haidery A.