2s continue to struggle: wet weekend round-up

While Preston’s 1st and 3rd XI matches were abandoned due to the rain
on Saturday, the 2nd XI managed to play a reduced overs game against Old Camdenians at the Field of Dreams. They chose to bowl first, but struggled to take wickets as Old Camdenians reached 76-1 after 25 overs. The introduction of the Murrell brothers, both bowling off-spin, then began to make inroads into the opposition batting, although Old C’s were pleased with some big hitting from their middle order. Pete Murrell finished with 5-35, and brother Tom 4-63 as Old Camdenians set the twos a tricky target of 165.

Unfortunately, Preston’s innings got off to a disastrous start, with the top 3 all dismissed for ducks inside 3 overs. 3-3 then became 30-4 when Dave Fleckney misjudged a slower ball. Skipper Matt Burleigh (29) and Iain Purton (37) steadied the innings with a 53 run partnership that gave Preston hope, but their dismissals exposed the tail. Neil Smith and Finlay Connah showed determination to hold out for a draw, but Connah was bowled with 8 balls remaining to send Preston 2nds to their 5th successive defeat. Billy Gravett was Old Camdenian’s hero, taking 7-33.

A determined Preston 4ths took 19 points from a drawn match at Berkhamstead 3rds. Preston were asked to bat first and posted 170-6, built around a solid 68 from Waqas Azad and a swift 41 from Dave Saunders. Berko never looked like winning and hung on for the draw despite 4-37 from stalwart Chris Newell.

Preston’s Sunday 1st XI suffered another dreadful start at Reed, collapsing to 8-5 before Pete Skills (27) and Max Anderson (30) kick-started a recovery. A last wicket stand of over 50 between Matt Burleigh and Ollie Gallimore took Preston to 133, but Reed easily chased down the target between heavy rain showers.