ICKLEFORD returned to winning ways with a hard fought victory over Graveley. Graveley made a great start reaching 88 in just 10 overs with Steve Brown making 46 and John Cartwright 37. But Ickleford clawed their way back. Roy Izzard took 3-43 and Joe Well

ICKLEFORD returned to winning ways with a hard fought victory over Graveley.

Graveley made a great start reaching 88 in just 10 overs with Steve Brown making 46 and John Cartwright 37.

But Ickleford clawed their way back. Roy Izzard took 3-43 and Joe Wellstead 4-31 as Graveley were dismissed for 198.

Sam Giggle got the reply off to a great start with 57 and was supported by Josh Tendeter with 30.

But wickets began to fall with Pete Bracey taking 3-15 and it was left to James Robinson with an excellent 62 not out to steer Ickleford home by two wickets.

On Sunday, Preston II's entertained Pulloxhill.

The visitors took first knock and totalled 145 all out and nine of the wickets were taken between spinners Bob Hearne, Chris Newell and Max Anderson.

In reply, Preston got off to a good start with 23 from Dave Saunders that paved the way for a 102 partnership between Nigel Biggs and 14-year-old Ben Hill, who hit a maiden half century finishing undefeated on 52 as Preston enjoyed a seven wicket victory.

Holwell skipper Julian Rudder led by example hitting a magnificent 107 against East Ham Manor on Sunday. He was well supported by Nigel Ponting 76 not out as Holwell amassed 176-2 in 23 overs chasing Manor's 173-7.

Dave Turner 3-34 and Junior Thomas 2-27 were Holwell's most successful bowlers.

Baldock's Sunday team played Hatfield and after electing to bat scorched to 40-1 in the heat. But just as they looked like building a good score collapsed to 92 all out. Only skipper Rob Cant showed any resistence hitting a useful 29.

Hatfield claimed a four wicket victory crawling to 96-6 with Graham Letford taking 2-16.

Letchworth Corinthians had a comfortable seven wicket win over Ashwell.

Ashwell were all out for 126 with Gary Simmons making 43 while Chris Hughes and David Gash each claimed three wickets.

Corinthians reached a winning target in the 21st over with Warwick Metcalfe 42 not out and Ian Besant 43 not out as they put on an unbroken fourth wicket stand of 75.

Henlow's spin twins won the day in their Beds League Division Two match at home to Kempston Hammers seconds.

Scott Spicer 4-13 and Kris Canagasabey 3-1 took an astonishing seven wickets for just 14 runs between them as the visitors were bowled out for 105. Earlier, Henlow had posted 190-8 after Canagasabey (35) and Nico Hand (41) had given them a flying start.

A fine all-round effort by Pete Edwins (49 and 3-49) could not stop the seconds losing by four wickets at Sandy in Division Three. Henlow set 207-7 and Paul Welch's 61 helped Sandy reach their target with more than nine overs to spare.