Three wins for Preston on a showery day

Preston 1sts v Baldock Town 1sts Herts League Div 2 15th June 2013
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Preston managed to dodge the heavy showers on Saturday to record a commanding victory over struggling Baldock by 6 wickets.

On winning the toss and electing to bowl first Preston made excellent progress, restricting their visitors to 55 for 3 by the 20th over thanks to the impressive opening pair of Mark Waters (2-39) and Henry Morecroft. But with light drizzle falling Preston then struggled to control the damp ball and Baldock looked set for a decent total, reaching 86 for 3 by 28th over. With the rain getting heavier and more persistent the covers were put on and tea was taken early. Over an hour was lost from the game. When the rain cleared and the sun came out, the match turned on its head.
Preston remarkably took 7 wickets for just 5 runs in an incredible 9 over spell. Spinners Max Anderson (5-27) and Pete Murrell (3-7) worked superbly in tandem to dismiss the visitors for just 91.

Baldock started brightly with the ball and had Preston briefly in trouble at 27 for 3. However, a match winning 60 run 4th wicket partnership between Dave Fleckney (38*) and Ben Hill (25) got Preston back on track. It was left to Will Gallimore (10*) to hit the winning runs as Preston raced home to victory in just the 26th over, with 6 wickets in hand.

Preston 2nds v Dunstable 2nds Herts League Div 5 15th June 2013
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Preston 2nds struggles in Division 5 continued as they were well beaten by league leaders Dunstable 2nds. A lengthy delay for rain interrupted Preston’s innings, and they were only able to post 136 for 4 in 44 possible overs, Ian Purton (35 not out) and skipper Matt Burleigh (29) top scoring. Finlay Connah once again led Preston’s bowling with skill and determination, taking 2 for 58, but it was not enough to stop Dunstable overcoming Preston’s below par score with 5 overs to spare. Youngster Ollie Gallimore picked up two consolation late wickets for Preston, who now find themselves uncomfortably close to the relegation zone.

Preston 3rds v Mill Hill Village 2nds Herts League Div 11 15th June 2013
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Preston 3rds recorded their fourth league win of the season thanks to a 5 wicket hall from Dave Allen. Preston posted 163 for 5 in a rain reduced 37 overs, but Mill Hill Village could only muster 134 all out in reply.

Preston 4ths v Broxbourne 4ths 15th June 2013
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Preston 4ths gained a much needed first win of the season thanks to a fine and fast run chase against Broxbourne 4ths. The visitors must have felt comfortable in posting 209 for 5, in which there were two wickets a piece for Rupert Bruce and Jamie Peters. Good knocks for Preston from Ashriful (23) and Andy Mower (30) set Preston on their way, but the hero was James Skirrow who struck a match winning 97 as Preston won by 5 wickets.