1sts, 2nds & 3rds lose, but Big B hits a winning ton for 4ths

Preston 1st XI’s recent fine run of form came to an end after going down by 36 runs against a well drilled Cockfosters side in the SHCL Division 2.

Not surprisingly, on losing the toss Preston were asked to field, but their bowlers Mark Waters (1 for 56) and Henry Morecroft
produced a superb opening 30 over spell, restricting the visitors to 58 for 2 in the blistering conditions. With spinners Andy Riant (2/68) and Max Anderson (3/64) working in tandem Preston continued to squeeze Cockfosters until the batsmen finally upped their run rate. They scored at 8 an over in the last 10 to conclude their innings on 212 for 7.

Preston’s batters found the run chase hard going on a wicket that had started to misbehave due to the dry conditions, reaching the 15 over mark at 43 for 4. They were indebted to the efforts of the aggressive Will Gallimore who brought them back into the game with a well constructed 74. When Gallimore was dismissed, the run rate required was an achievable 6 an over and victory was within sight. However, the Cockfosters bowlers showed great discipline and collected wickets at vital intervals as Preston were all out in the 44th over for 176.

Preston 2nds struggled on a typical Sandridge wicket, being dismissed for just 94 with Richard Gatehouse (38) once again top scoring. Sandridge knocked off the target for the loss of just one wicket.

Preston 4ths upset SHCL Division 12 table toppers Southgate Adelaide 3rds at Hitchin Boys School on Saturday. The visitors were asked to bat first and were well contained by economical bowling from Ian Hamilton and Chris Newell, making 172 in total. A well paced unbeaten century (102) by skipper Dave Saunders saw Preston to victory, well supported by Bob Hearne 17 and Ian Hamilton 16.