Datchworth fall short in run chase

Datchworth were let down by poor fielding and an indifferent batting display on The Green against Sandridge. Sandridge started slowly and scored slowly throughout the innings but kept wickets in hand. Steve Bottomley and Alex Akers both went for less than

Datchworth were let down by poor fielding and an indifferent batting display on The Green against Sandridge.

Sandridge started slowly and scored slowly throughout the innings but kept wickets in hand.

Steve Bottomley and Alex Akers both went for less than two runs an over as the opening pair of Camm and Murphy put on 58 from 30 overs.

Steve Stroomer and Steve Nash bowled well in tandem, Stroomer claiming 4-38 from his 15 overs while Nash took 5-50 from 18 overs.

Around 30 runs were gifted to Sandridge in the closing overs as three easy catches were spilled.

Chris Gordon once again batted well for 19, but he received no support from the rest of the side until John Wells (29) at number seven.

The tail looked to be wagging as Wells and Akers added 30 runs for the ninth wicket. Steve Nash joined Akers and both looked comfortable, but Akers was run out for 11 to leave them 35 runs short at 101 all out.

The seconds were off, while the third team wasted the chance of victory against their Wormley counterparts.

They batted equally poorly at the other end of the ground on the new pitch. After a slow 104 was posted by Wormley, Datchworth struggled to find their feet.

Fifteen-year-old Michael Difford took 2-13 from 10 overs, with Danny Hattam (4-9) bowling unchanged for 12 overs.

Only Dave Bartlett (20no) then looked interested in batting properly as Datchworth were skittled for 73.