Ickleford are looking hot

Ickleford are hot on the Herts League promotion trail after a convincing victory over Ampthill Town seconds in Division Four. After losing the toss on a good pitch and being asked to field, the new ball pair Brett Blaker and Steve Munnery struck early to

Ickleford are hot on the Herts League promotion trail after a convincing victory over Ampthill Town seconds in Division Four.

After losing the toss on a good pitch and being asked to field, the new ball pair Brett Blaker and Steve Munnery struck early to leave the visitors floundering on 36-5.

Ampthill's lower middle order launched a fightback, however, and clawed their way to 183.

Blaker returned season's best figures of 5-50 from 14.5 overs, while Munnery took 2-35 from 13, with James Robinson, Tom Reilly and Duncan Jenner taking a wicket apiece, well supported by a polished performance in the field.

In response, Ickleford openers Reilly and captain Jenner raced to 64 from only 13 overs, before the loss of Reilly for 20. Jenner and Mark Schumann took the score on to 104 before Jenner departed for a tidy 59 from only 64 balls.

After an out-of-sorts Schumann was bowled for 23, it was left to James Robinson (25no) and Blaker to complete a convincing seven-wicket win off only 34 overs, Blaker clubbing 43 from 25 balls.

The seconds had a welcome victory over high-flying Harpenden Dolpins in a good team performance.

They recovered from 80-6 to reach 208 thanks to fifty from Greg Covington and 46 from Raj Devitt.

In reply Dolphins were dismissed for just 86 with Jim Hollis taking 5-19 and Joe Wellstead 4-13.