MET POLICE BUSHEY kept pace with the Division Nine leaders after destroying second-from-bottom Cockfosters by nine-wickets on Saturday, June 7.

Cockfosters won the toss and elected to bat, posting a moderate 136 from their 53 overs, although they had survived a number of presentable catching chances on their way to treble figures.

But while early wickets proved elusive, paceman Mike Burke was not discouraged and he would be rewarded for his persistence, finishing the day with 6-32 to put Cockfosters on their knees. Spinner Sam Mazurek (3-21) was also efficient, while Dave Park took the opportunity to claim his first league wicket.

The run chase, such as it was, lasted barley 30 overs as Trevor Turnbull (51) and Gareth Thomason (64 not out), built on their previous week's opening stand of 84 to go beyond the century this time, before some well-time boundaries from Mark Twine (18 not out) concluded proceedings.

Also in the division, Hemel Hempstead fourth XI recovered from a few shaky moments to enjoy the better of a derby draw at home to Langleybury third XI.

At 21-2, and then 39-3, Bury were encouraged, but then Jim Birnie (86) and Anjam Khan (53) took centre stage, as Hemel posted 201-6.

Hemel skipper Lee Pritchard tried his best to beat an unadventurous reply by using seven bowlers, but he proved unsuccessful as Bury held out on 134-8.

Figures of 2-5 off five overs for the skipper, Andy Scears' 2-9 off four and 2-12 off 12 for Phil Freebrey summed up Bury's policy.

Meanwhile, Clarendon second XI paid the price for a poor batting display as they went down by four wickets at North Mymms third XI.

Only Ian Bullied (21) and Simon Chapman (24) made any real contribution with the bat as Clarendon were dimissed for 125, with extras (25) top-scoring.

In reply, two wickets apiece for Marcus Coultrup (2-34) and Grahame Gregory (2-42) had North Mymms in a degree of trouble at 96-5, but the bowlers were unable to make any significant impression on the lower order.

One of the few highlights out of a disapponting day was Coultrup taking his first catch in six years.