A rather forgettable weekend for PCC

Preston v Botany Bay 25th May 2013
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A crazy 15 over spell of batting from Preston ultimately saw them go down by 8 wickets against top of the table Botany Bay in Herts Division 2.

Not surprisingly on losing the toss Preston, who had 7 players under 22 in their side, were asked to bat first on a damp wicket. Despite the bowler friendly conditions, they initally set about their task in great fashion with Pete Murrell (44) and Jack Morecroft (48) laying the foundations to what should have been a score close to 180. But a mixture of good bowling and poor shot selection then saw Preston fall from 109 for 3 in the 37th over to 132 all out by the 52 over, a crazy 15 over spell in which they lost 7 wickets for just 23 runs.

With the wicket drying out all the time as the weather warmed, Botany Bay found the going far easier, and they batted with good sense and patience. Preston spinners Andy Riant and Tom Murrell picked up a wicket a piece but the home side crossed the finishing line in the 44th over with 8 wickets in hand.

Preston II v Langleybury II 25th May 2013
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Preston 2nds collapsed to an ignominious defeat at home to Langleybury 2nds in their Division 5 clash. Preston’s young team bowled and fielded diligently to restrict Langleybury to 191 for 4. However, only veteran Richard Gatehouse (48) held out against Langleybury’s bowlers, who dismissed Preston for a paltry 83.

Preston 4ths v Tewin 2nds 25th May 2013
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Preston 4ths visited the picturesque village of Tewin on Saturday and picked up 14 points in a pleasing draw.

Preston took first knock and on a sticky wicket did well to post 141 for 8. Skipper Dave Saunders led the way with 58 including 11 boundaries; the next best was 19 from newcomer Tom Carr. In reply, Tewin never mastered the frugal bowling of Ian Hamilton (4 for 23) and Chris Newell (3 for 19), including 18 maidens. Tewin’s reply was a skinny 87-8.