LETCHWORTH moved further ahead in the Saracens Herts League Division One on Saturday winning a nail-biting derby at Lucas Lane against neighbours Hitchin, while their nearest rivals Knebworth Park were being held to a draw by Dunstable. Steve March won t

LETCHWORTH moved further ahead in the Saracens Herts League Division One on Saturday winning a nail-biting derby at Lucas Lane against neighbours Hitchin, while their nearest rivals Knebworth Park were being held to a draw by Dunstable.

Steve March won the toss and asked Hitchin to bat on a rain-affected wicket, but only two overs were possible before heavy rain sent the players from the field.

When play eventually resumed 18 overs had been lost and, although Ed Morse and Richard Barclay bowled well, they had no success as Hitchin skipper Craig Millwood and Mick Lee dug in.

March soon switched to the slower pace of Andy Newland and Dom Marsh and was rewarded when, with the score on 62, Lee was caught and bowled by Marsh, who then quickly bowled Millwood and caught and bowled Will Pugh.

When Marsh then had Jimmy Lewis lbw in mysterious circumstances, Hitchin had slumped to 99-4 and the game was wide open.

Danny Fair upped the tempo with a swashbuckling 33 before also falling lbw to Marsh trying a reverse sweep and Hitchin closed their 44 overs on 151-9, with Marsh returning the outstanding figures of 8-41.

This looked a challenging target on a difficult wicket and this view was confirmed as Dave Moore removed Tom Cranston in the first over and Seb Franke-Mattheka soon afterwards, both caught at point.

Moore then had Simon Elliott caught behind and with Simon Bayston bowling John Hilliard and then tempting Dave Albon to hole out to mid off, Letchworth's worst fears were realised as they found themselves 42-5.

Fortunately Steve March then showed all his experience as he took the attack to Hitchin, supported by Marsh, and the two added 71 before March holed out to mid wicket for a brilliant 63 off only 65 balls.

There was still a lot to do, but Barclay joined Marsh and hit 22 not out off 18 balls to see Letchworth to victory with five balls remaining.

Marsh finished on 34 not out to add to his eight wickets and claim man of the match.

The stage is now set for next week's top-of-the-table battle at Whitethorn Lane when Letchworth entertain Knebworth Park.