Preston entertained league leaders Chorleywood and were defeated by a two-man team – literally. They elected to bat and made 37 before Matt Burleigh was adjudged leg before, the first of five in the Preston innings. A mini collapse saw Preston reduced to

Preston entertained league leaders Chorleywood and were defeated by a two-man team - literally.

They elected to bat and made 37 before Matt Burleigh was adjudged leg before, the first of five in the Preston innings.

A mini collapse saw Preston reduced to 55-3 before a partnership between Iain Williamson (21) and captain Ashley Catlin took the score to 86. Preston were progressing nicely before Catlin departed for a well-made 66 with the score on 140.

Two more quick wickets saw Preston struggling to see out the remaining 10 overs but an excellent 50no from Chris Cole and support from Shrini Nanjunden and Mark Waters saw the innings close on 194.

Preston made a excellent start by reducing Chorleywood to 0-3 with Waters clean bowing two batsmen in the first over and then Nanjunden claiming a third wicket.

Unfortunately this brought the destructive Luke Vivan to the wicket who had already previously hit more than 120 sixes this year.

Along with Watson, the pair put on an impressive 181 to see Chorleywood close to victory as Vivan finished on a chanceless 138no.

* The seconds travelled to Potters Bar thirds still needing a win to make certain of maintaining their Division Six status - and they secured a tie.

On winning the toss, Potters Bar batted first and struggled on a wicket that gave the seamers assistance throughout the day.

The introduction of young left-arm spinner Max Anderson saw him pick up four wickets as Potters Bar ended on 190-9.

Louis Harrington-Smith then completed his maiden fifty for the second team before the fading light and the return of the opening bowler seemed to bring a premature end to the run chase. A flourish of late boundaries left 10 required from the last over and some lusty blows and frantic running ended with a single from the final ball to tie the scores.

The thirds had a comprehensive eight-wicket victory at Baldock thirds.

The home side took first knock and could only manage a lowly 64 all out.

Peter Murrell was unplayable with figures of 4-3, Dilshan Wisejekera took another three and Finlay Connah bagged two.

Preston took only 18 overs to reach the target, Dave Saunders unbeaten on 27 and Simon Luxton (13) the top scorers.