Preston produced one of their worst performances in recent times against lowly Hatfield in Saracens Herts League Division Two. Winning the toss, skipper Ashley Catlin s decision to bowl looked a good one as the top order struggled against Mark Waters and

Preston produced one of their worst performances in recent times against lowly Hatfield in Saracens Herts League Division Two.

Winning the toss, skipper Ashley Catlin's decision to bowl looked a good one as the top order struggled against Mark Waters and particularly Shrini Nanjundan.

With Hatfield 28-2 after 15 overs, Preston were well on top but then skipper Desai punished anything short and also rode his luck to reach a unbeaten 129.

He was well supported by Golder (55) who was dropped early on to enable Hatfield to reach 235 - a total they should not have achieved if Preston had held their catches.

Chris Cole (39) and Catlin (26) produced a second wicket partnership of 56 to build the foundations for a run chase.

But with Richard Gatehouse (32) and Iain Williamson (26) both getting in and then perishing in the chase, Preston elected to shut up shop and the tail managed to bat out the last 10 overs to finish on 165-9.

The seconds won a low-scoring game against Southgate Compton by 26 runs after bowling their opponents out for 110.

The thirds won at Waltham Cross Rosedale to go second in the table.

Surprisingly, the home side chose to bat first and succumbed for 90 to the accurate bowling of Andy Crawford (4-41) in tandem with Nigel Biggs (2-14) also backed up by Steve Monk (2-16).

In reply, Preston lost only one wicket and took only 18 overs to knock off the runs. Skipper Dave Saunders hit a resolute 52 and Joe Warburton added 25 as Preston got home by nine wickets.

The fourth team had an impressive victory over their King's Langley counterparts. Preston batted first and amassed 211-8, Dylan Wright hit a smashing 75 partnered by Ryan Christopher making his first half century with 51.

Savo Balac soon got among the wickets with 5-38 with his off spin and Tom Mercer chipping in with two with his leg spin as King's Langley were all out for a meagre 79.