Weekend Round-Up May 18/19

Preston 1st X1 unbelievably tied their game with old rivals Broxbourne in the Championship.
Preston lost the toss and were inserted and built a competitive total of 242 all out in the 40th over. But it was Skipper Jake George with a vital and well made 51 and vice Captain Ed Wharton with a huge 121 who led from the front to create the basis for the Preston innings. Broxbourne went hard in the second innings and Preston used all the bowlers at their disposal. It all came down to the nail-biting final over and ended with the scores tied and the spoils of the day shared between the two clubs.

Preston 2X1 also had an exciting game v Broxbourne 2’s in the second game of the double header. Preston’s innings teetered-tottered with Broxbourne’s slow bowlers putting the brakes on Preston’s blustery start. Preston closed out their innings at 192/8 off their 50 overs. In reply, Preston bowled well and immediately put the pressure on with the Badgers top order all succumbing before making real starts with the exception of Kay who made a gritty 76. With Broxbourne’s injured final man finding gaps with the aid of a runner, the Broxbourne reply got close but the final wicket fell as Broxbourne reached 172. Preston won by twenty runs giving the Preston 2’s their second win out of two in Div 4B.

Preston 3X1 beat Redbourne by 14 runs in another close encounter. Preston were asked to bat first and made 199/6 in their 40 overs with Ranjani making a decent 47 not out and supported by Staddon (33), Ponder (37) and Blair (24). In reply, Redbourne fell short, closing out their innings on 185/7 in a tight chase but saw Preston secure the 30 points.

Preston 4X1 came off second against Letchworth in yet another close finish to Letchworth win by 10 runs. Preston asked Letchworth to take first knock and restricted Letchworth to 188 all out. In reply Preston came very close and despite Williamson’s 61 and Granham’s 58 the innings faltered just short against their close rivals to see their innings finish on 178/6.

Next week, the Village Cup side continues in the Voneus National Village Cup on Sunday.