Sawbridgeworth beat Leverstock Green by six wickets in Saracens Hertfordshire Premier Cricket League
Sawbridgeworth won by six wickets at Leverstock Green to move up to second in Saracens Hertfordshire Premier League, Division One on Saturday (June 21).
The hosts won the toss, but they could never break the shackles of the tight bowling from the visitors.
The home side fought their way to 190-8 off 49 overs before a brief rain shower brought a slightly early end to their innings.
Chasing a revised target of 193, Sawbo started well with the bat thanks to an opening stand of 89 between Alan Jones (42) and the returning Joe Joyce (74) before the former was dismissed in the 17th over.
After the strong start, the away team never looked in danger and, despite losing three more wickets, comfortably reached 196-4 with 12 overs to spare.
They are now preparing for a top-of-the-table clash at home to leaders Luton Town & Indians this Saturday (June 28).
Andrew Dongworth claimed a five-wicket haul as the second team registered a four-wicket home win over their Old Finchleians counterparts in Division 5B.
The hosts elected to bowl in the hot conditions and the struggling visitors found it tough going as they were reduced to 25-5 after eight overs at the hands of Dongworth and Ethan Hook.
Things could have been worse for them if Dhruv Patel had not been comically dropped on zero with the score on 30. He went on to make 50 before being the ninth wicket to fall.
Dongworth finished with 5-31 and Hook claimed 3-26 as the visitors were dismissed for 135.
Sawbo made things difficult for themselves in what looked like a straightforward run chase, losing regular wickets to increase the pressure.
Charlie Robinson was able to hold the innings together with a knock of 31 before Nick Dale’s quick-fire 25no ensured the hosts reached 136-6 in the 31st over.
The third team received a walkover against Nazeing Common II in Tees Herts & Essex Border League, Division Two.
Their opponents were unable to field a side so they were awarded a 20-point victory without needing to don their whites.
The fourth team succumbed by seven wickets when they visited Little Bardfield Village in Division Four.
Sawbo chose to bat after winning the toss and posted 146-8 from their 30 overs.
Tom McDonald dominated the innings with an unbeaten 75, but the other batsmen struggled until Rhys Ashman (20) and James Ponting (10) provided support towards the end.
Despite losing two early wickets, Little Bardfield cruised to 149-3 in 21 overs thanks to a destructive 95 by R Hitchcock off just 59 balls.
Ethan Drinkwater was the pick of the bowlers, ending with 1-17 off his four overs.
