Weekend Roundup Aug 2/3
PRESTON WOMENS SQUAD V HITCHIN
However, Sunday wasn’t too depressing for Preston, as the Preston Women’s Squad won against Hitchin. Another excellent game and witnessed some brilliant cricket from both sides. The Preston women continue on their stellar and historic season. Many thank you to Hitchin CC for the game.
PRESTON 1St XI Vs CHORLEYWOOD CC
Chorleywood won the toss and elected to bat They were bowled out for 251, with E. Rodger’s scoring 74 of 105. However, the highlight of the first innings was Preston’s Luke Marsden who took a fabulous 5/61 of his 16 overs. In Preston’s batting reply, they were on course for the win with Eden Scott (54 of 93), Josh Wigginton (69 of 75) and Jack Stevens (49 of 59) taking them to a healthy position. However, the J. Smithson and B. Davies took 3 wickets each as Preston were bowled out for 214.
PRESTON 2nd XI Vs Luton Town & Indians
The 2s take victory and an important 30 points! They won the toss and batted first finishing on 197/8 of their 50 overs. Major contributions came from Will Gallimore (42 runs of 81 balls) and Jacob Williamson’s under pressure 71 of 108. With momentum towards Preston at the death of their first innings, they carried on in their bowling innings with Omar Faleel (2-35) taking a wicket on the third ball of the first over. Skipper David Fleckney finished the game with a stellar 3/28 of his 10 overs. Luton Town & Indians were eventually bowled out for 183 despite a late fight back by Ahmad Ali who scored 52 of 53 balls. A huge win and 30 points, which is all that matters as Preston 2s look to not only save their season, but continue to grow their new-look side in 2025.
PRESTON 3rd XI Vs Boxmoor CC
A close game that Preston unfortunately lost. Boxmoor won the toss and elected to bat and finished on 181/9 of their 40 overs. James Battersby was the highlight with 4/28 of his 8 overs. In response Preston was cruising due to Battersby (45 of 45 balls), George Constantinidi (37 of 42 balls) and Captain Nick Staddon (38 of 56 balls). Preston had it all under control needing 11 runs of the last 24 balls with 4 wickets in hand. Before Siraj’s Oval heroics of day 5 there was A. Birdseye (4/42 of 7 overs) for Boxmoor on Saturday, who took 3 of the last 5 Preston wickets as Preston collapsed. Preston unfortunately lost the last 5 wickets for only 6 runs, a spectacular collapse as the 3s lost by merely 6 runs as they were bowled out for 175. An unfortunate loss for the 3s but a lot to learn for them, as they look to bounce back stronger against Luton Town & Indians – and we are sure they will and continue to develop as a side.
PRESTON 4th XI Vs Mill Hill Village CC
Mill Hill won the toss and elected to bowl. Preston were sent in and scored 170/9. Mill Hill bowled brilliantly but Neil Brearley was a shining light for Preston as he scored a hard fought 40 runs., Despite Berkley’s gritty knock, it was a relatively easy chase for Mill Hill Village. They chased 171 down in 27.1 overs with M. Ayubi (55 runs) and Faraz Ahmad (51 runs) both scoring fifties. Although a loss for the 4s there are some positives to take from the game. 19 runs from young-gun Oliver Clark at the end of the 4th team batting innings meant Preston took a valuable 10 points to table-toppers Mil Hill Village.
Preston Sunday 1s vs Letchworth Garden City CC
A tough loss on a rainy day for the Sunday 1s. Letchworth won the toss and batted first, posting 284/3 in their 39 overs. In response, Preston were off to a great start, with them being 120/3 of 12 overs. Highlights were Jacob Williamson’s 58 and Ed Wharton’s smashing 48 of not too many balls. Williamson has hit a rich vein of form before his holiday, following on nicely from his 71 on Saturday. However, Preston lost wickets at a regular rate, finishing on 205 as they were bowled out in 38.4 overs.