Alex Syed hits century to help Sawbridgeworth II beat Abbots Langley II in Saracens Hertfordshire Premier Cricket League

Alex Syed struck a century to help Sawbridgeworth II thrash their Abbots Langley counterparts by 158 runs in Saracens Hertfordshire Premier League, Division 5B on Saturday (June 7).

The hosts, who lost the toss, initially struggled with the bat in overcast conditions and were reduced to 50-3 in the 14th over.

Sean Lemon (55) joined opener Syed at the crease and they put on 128 for the fourth wicket.

Syed continued to push the innings along and, with support from the middle order, went on to make 125 as his side posted 276-7 from 50 overs.

With the threat of rain, Sawbo rushed to bowl the 20 overs needed in the second innings to constitute a game. Sam Shemwell (1-17) and Andrew Dongworth (2-20) rattled through their 10 overs each.

With a result now secured and Abbots Langley well behind the run rate, Ethan Hook (2-13) and Travis Morgan (1-17) tore through the middle order before skipper Harry Gale picked up the last two wickets to bowl the visitors out for 118.

The third team maintained their 100% winning record and moved to the top of Tees Herts & Essex Border League, Division Two by convincingly beating Bancroft Lions at home by nine wickets.

Bancroft were asked to bat and were soon struggling as Harry Frans (1-12) and James Bovaird (2-14) took early wickets, but it was the introduction of Louis Kirby that (4-22) that was the decisive factor in bowling them out for 65.

The threat of rain meant Sawbo looked to chase down the total quickly and the loss of Adam MacDonald first ball was not the start they were looking for.

But Mark Davis quickly got into his stride, hitting 44no off 26 deliveries, to complete the win in the eighth over.

The first team travelled to Lutonian in Saracens Division One in the hope that the threatened bad weather would not prevent the game being played.

The visitors won the toss and took wickets regularly after choosing to bowl, reducing the hosts to 143-8 after 38 overs when the rain caused the first break in play.

The long delay meant the Lutonian innings was ended early and Sawbo were set a revised target of 141 from 38 overs. They had reached 13 off seven balls when the rain struck again, after which no further play was possible.