22/23 May – Roundup

Weekend Wrap Up – PRESTON Reach Regional Final

Preston overcame Sawbridgeworth and the weather to reach the Herts & Bed regional final of the National Village Cup, which will see them face Knebworth on June 6th.

On a cold, grey, murky day, Preston won the toss and decided to make the most of the conditions and bowl. And this proved to be the right decision as Casey Walker (2/17) & Oliver Gallimore (2/23) looked unplayable, leaving S’worth 12/4 before the heavens open.

Returning from the rain break saw the match reduced to 31 overs aside. Sawbridgeworth rebuilt with George Kenny 56*, but it was again Peter Murrell (1/26) & Tim Collins (3/34) that kept Preston in the driving seat, reducing S’worth to 127/8.
In return, Preston set off with real intent as openers Phil Simpson (35) & Peter Murrell (28) posting 62 in just 10 overs. Allowing Geroge Biggs (24*) and Daniel Plumb (17) to bat sensibly, eventually knocking off the runs in 24th over only two wickets down.

The win set’s up a massive local derby against Knebworth Park, in the Regional Final, on June 6th at Preston. So the road to Lords continues.

On Saturday, amongst the washouts, Preston 2nd XI continued their 100% record to beat Bushey CC by 8 wickets comfortably.

Bowling first, Preston wasted no time with evergreen Mark Waters (2/19) picking up a wicket in the first over. And there was no let-off for the Bushy Batsmen as Preston picked up wickets at regular intervals bowling out Bushy for just 97. Bav Patel (1/20), Ashley Catlin (3/16) & David Fleckney (2/6) all producing the goods.

In return, Preston looked in complete control throughout, chalking off the final runs in just the 22nd over. William Gallimore (39*) and the returning Jack Stevens (25*) looked in sublime form. Preston stay top with a 40 point cushion.

Weekends Action

⛈ Saturday 1st XI – OFF
Saturday 2nd XI Vs Bushy CC – Won by 8 wkts
⛈ Saturday 3rd XI – OFF
⛈ Saturday 4th XI – OFF
❌ Sunday League XI Vs Elstow CC – Lost by 136 runs

Walker snags another in the National Village Cup…

Wiggy and the post-surgery frame of Jack Stevens did the damage with the bat in the 2s game v Bushey, with Ollie Catlin in support…

Phil Simpson in Action against Sawbridgeworth…

photo credits – George Constantinidi