Firsts crush St Albans West Indies, plus 3s & 4s news

Preston’s 1st XI recorded a much needed 66 run victory over hosts St Albans West Indians on Saturday in Saracens Herts League Div 2.

Put into bat, Preston made excellent early progress on a difficult wicket,
reaching 102 for 2 by the 33rd over thanks to a workman-like innings of 61 from skipper Warren Hearne and valuable support from both Chris Cole (23) and Anthony Ender (18). All that hard work was then undone by a sloppy 19 over period which saw them loose 7 wickets for just 33 runs, and ultimately dismissed for just 135, as the middle order struggled to contain the impressive Devon Weeks (7 for 35).

A remarkable start with the ball then saw Preston reduce their hosts to 28 for 8 by the 15th over, as opening bowlers Mark Waters (6 for 22) and Anthony Ender (2 for 13) ripped SAWI’s batting apart. Some late order resistance held up Preston’s victory push until the introduction of spinners Andy Riant (1 for 6) and Max Anderson (1 for 10) saw them wrap up the much needed victory in the 28th over, with the West Indians dismissed for just 69.

Preston 3rds promotion hopes receded as they failed to force a result at home to Potton Town IIs. Having made 198 for 6 batting first, and taken early wickets, they were left frustrated as Potton’s middle order batted out for a draw at 144 for 7 in a rain-reduced 42 overs.

Preston 4ths visited Mill Hill on Saturday and were asked to bat first. They made 188-4 thanks to Dave Saunders 82 not out, Ian Hamilton 23 not out and Jon Skirrow 21. But the home team passed the total for 6 wickets down, with two apiece for David Ogden, Will Mercer and Rob Clark as Preston bagged 16 points.