A century for Chris Cole but disappointment for 1s, 3s & 4s

Match reports 12th July 2014

Preston 1st XI v St Albans West Indies 1st XI

A disappointing batting performance from Preston saw them lose out by 55 runs to a vocal St Albans West Indian side in Herts Division 2 on Saturday.

After losing the toss Preston made steady progress with the ball, reducing the visitors to 40 for 3 by the 10th over and 94 for 5 by the 30th over, but with the West Indian batsmen always showing plenty of aggressive intent. Opening bowler James Stevens (1 for 17 in 7 overs) bowled beautifully without true reward, but was supported ably by Mark Waters who took 5 for 36 in 16 overs. The introduction of Preston’s left arm spinner Max Anderson (2 for 44) then saw the visitors slump to 128 for 9 by the 41st over. However, the turning point of the game was a match winning 43 run 10th wicket partnership that allowed St Albans WI to reach 171 all out from 52 overs.

Preston’s reply started dreadfully, reaching 51 for 5 by the 20th over as they struggled to come to terms with an indifferent wicket and some excellent bowling. Just four of Preston’s batsmen made double figures with Peter Williamson (47) the only one looking in any sort of form. Preston folded to a very disappointing 116 all out in the 38th over.

Preston 2nd XI v Hertford 3rd XI, Division 5

Chris Cole struck a superb 118, and together with Iain Williamson (78) put on a first wicket partnership of 167 in just 27 overs for Preston 2nds against Hertford 3rd XI. Preston eventually declared at 290 for 8 after 50 overs, reasoning that the short boundary would also allow their opponents the opportunity for fast scoring. And so it proved as Hertford’s openers added 97 for the first wicket. However, Andy Riant (6 for 77) regularly took wickets to keep Preston on top. Hertford finally held on for a draw at 241 for 9 after 50 overs.

Preston 3rd XI v Holtwhites Trinibis 3rd XI, Division 10

It was a horror show for Preston 3rds at Holtwhites 3rds, as their star batsman Umair blasted 140 including 8 sixes as his side racked up 274 for 6 in 46 overs. A spate of dropped catches didn’t help, and then Preston’s batsmen were never in the match against wily round-arm Caribbean seam. In the end it required skipper Tom Maxwell and veteran Nigel Biggs to patiently block out the last 10 overs for a draw at 134 for 9 after 54 overs.

Preston 4th XI v Bentley Heath 2nd XI, Division 11 East

Preston 4ths inserted the visitors Bentley Heath 2nds who notched up 234 for 7. Robbie Parry (3-28) was the pick of the bowlers. In reply only Waqas (37) and Rob Clark (27) troubled the scorers as Preston were all out for 110.