Preston secured a comfortable eight-wicket victory over neighbours Ickleford in Sunday s friendly. The decision to bat first from Ickleford backfired as they were dismissed for just 83 in 30.3 overs, Dan Watson s 14 the top score. Young left-arm spinner M

Preston secured a comfortable eight-wicket victory over neighbours Ickleford in Sunday's friendly.

The decision to bat first from Ickleford backfired as they were dismissed for just 83 in 30.3 overs, Dan Watson's 14 the top score.

Young left-arm spinner Max Anderson picked up his first senior five wicket haul (7.3-1-21-5) and he was ably supported by Indika (8-1-19-3) and Burrows (6-1-21-2).

Preston achieved their target for the loss of two wickets in the 14th over, with Anthony Ender top scoring with a hard-hit 55no.

P Baldock got their fourth win of the season in the Broadview Windows North Herts League as they beat Therfield by five wickets.

Therfield batted first and all Baldock's bowlers kept the runs down and wickets fell regularly.

Then at 72-5 Robert Peacock, who normally does not bowl, took a hat-trick and ended with figures of 4-5 from three overs as Therfield were dismissed for 81 in 30.3 overs.

Baldock got home by five wickets in 26.3 overs with Nick Blenkin's 18 the top score.

Ickleford Cricketers were far too strong for St Joseph's in Division Two.

They amassed an impressive 262-4 on a good surface at Hitchin Boys' School with Tim Porter (76) leading the way and contributions from Jon Hare (44), Ben Woodbridge (37) and veteran Pete Watson (40no).

This large total was put completely out of St Joseph's reach by captain Dave Allen's impressive burst of 5-10 in his eight overs.

The visitors were unable to cope with his accuracy as they were skittled out for only 83.

P Henlow seconds beat local rivals Langford in the Beds League Division Three by a surprisingly comfortable margin.

The visitors were reeling at 61-6 at one stage but youngsters Oscar Fas (36no) and Luke Peters (32) helped them recover to 156-9.

Langford lost wickets at regular intervals in reply and were bowled out for 80 inside 25 overs, Dick Ownsworth taking 4-28 in 6.2 overs.

Henlow were beaten in the penultimate over at Ickwell in the Millman Saturday One.

Quickfire fifties from Wayne Goldsmith (58) and Paul Lewis (51) saw Henlow post 227-8 but Ickwell skipper Jamal Mazhar (113no) carried his bat to see his side through to a five-wicket victory.

The seconds were thrashed by Shefford in Division Three - all out for 73 in reply to the visitors' 239-3.