Cricket special by MARCUS CRAWLEY STEP back Kevin Pietersen and Shahid Afridi – Letchworth Cricket Club s Whitethorn Lane was the scene of some real big hitting on Sunday. Letchworth s Sunday side rattled up an astonishing 490-0 in just 40 overs in their

Cricket special by MARCUS CRAWLEY

STEP back Kevin Pietersen and Shahid Afridi - Letchworth Cricket Club's Whitethorn Lane was the scene of some real big hitting on Sunday.

Letchworth's Sunday side rattled up an astonishing 490-0 in just 40 overs in their Chess Valley League Division Five match against hapless Bucks side Chesham.

Even more remarkable was that Dave Albon slammed an incredible triple century.

Albon hit an unbeaten 318 with 106 scoring shots and his brutal innings contained 38 fours and a mammoth 17 sixes.

Opening partner Tom Cranston played a more sedate knock but still finished unbeaten on 100 with nine fours.

The visitors, primarily made up of under-14 youth teamers, also bowled a whopping 72 extras.

Colin Letford, Saturday first XI captain, said: "I assume it's a club record score by Dave and it's definitely one for the club's first wicket.

"Dave hits the ball a long way anyway. I told him it's all downhill for him after this!"

Shellshocked Chesham were bowled out for 157 in reply by nine-man Letchworth.

It completed a perfect weekend for Letchworth as they won Saturday's local derby against Hitchin on the last ball to reignite their promotion bid (see Sport 6).

* Hitchin's cricketers have the chance to pick up some silverware this Sunday.

They have reached the Becker Cup plate final against Northchurch, who play a league below them in the Saracens Herts League Division Two.

Sunday's final is at the Shenley Cricket Centre and is 45 overs a side (11.30am start).

Hitchin booked their place in the final following a 99-run victory over North Londoners Cockfosters at Lucas Lane on Sunday.

The hosts won the toss and elected to bat first.

Openers Craig Millwood (16) and Dave Moore (28) quickly reached fifty. Three wickets fell though to leave the score poised nicely at 61-3.

An 88-run partnership between Will Pugh and Danny Fair steadied the ship.

Fair had reached his half century before being bowled for exactly 50 and Pugh scored 38 before holing out.

Simon Bayston's 31 at the end helped Hitchin pass the 200 barrier and this proved to be more than enough.

Despite a good start for Cockfosters, Fair took a wicket and an aggressive spell from Moore left Cockfosters reeling.

Chris Slack and Mike Baker replaced the opening pair, with Slack picking up two wickets and Baker one.

Moore returned to pick up another wicket in recording figures of 3-27 from nine overs.

Bayston finished the job with two wickets in two balls to ensure Hitchin's passage to the final.

* Stevenage have a shot at the league title going into the last weekend of the season.

They are 18 points behind Home Counties Premier League Division Two East leaders Radlett but ahead of Welwyn Garden City in second place.

Stevenage host their near neighbours and relegation candidates Knebworth Park this Saturday (11am start) while Welwyn GC entertain Radlett.

With 25 points available for a win, Stevenage, Radlett and Welwyn GC all still have a chance of the title.