Twos victory boosts survival hopes

Preston 2nd XI crushed Chipperfield Clarendon 2nds by 87 runs to boost their chances of survival in Saracens Herts League Div 5. Ashley Catlin anchored Preston’s innings with a well constructed 58 after Iain Williamson had given the home side a positive start with a quick 41. Following a break for heavy rain, Pete Murrell blasted the opposition spinners to make 61 not out, as Preston finished on 208 for 6 from 50 overs.

Preston’s spin brothers Pete (3 for 42) and Tom Murrell (3 for 25) then continued their excellent form of recent weeks, quickly getting among the wickets with skillful use of the old ball and leaving Chipperfield reeling at 32 for 5. The visitors middle order counter-attacked before Seb Walton-Adams and Finlay Connah finished the innings with two wickets apiece with the new ball. Preston’s fielding was also excellent, Pete Murrell taking a stunning catch at short cover off brother Tom, and later Greig Hearne taking an equally good catch at cover from Seb. Highlight of the day: Seb sending the middle stump cartwheeling after being rudely pulled for four!