Ickleford were comfortably beaten in the Saracens Herts League Division Three. After posting 163 against Harpenden seconds, their opponents got home by seven wickets inside 38 overs. The seconds were eventually comfortable winners against Monken Hadley bu

Ickleford were comfortably beaten in the Saracens Herts League Division Three.

After posting 163 against Harpenden seconds, their opponents got home by seven wickets inside 38 overs.

The seconds were eventually comfortable winners against Monken Hadley but there were a few scares along the way.

Roy Izzard's 'military medium' bowling was ideal for the conditions and he bowled an unchanged spell of 19.3 overs and took 4-41.

Dan Watson bowled well in tandem with Izzard and he had excellent figures of 5-49 in 18 overs as the visitors made 139.

Ickleford made a terrible start and were 5-2.

But a determined Mark Howard, knowing his place was under threat, came up with the perfect response and made a vital 46.

He added 64 with Matt Deacon (18) before Tony Martin ensured victory with an assured 41no as Ickleford won by five wickets.

The thirds had another good win against Baldock thirds.

Baldock were restricted to 134-9 with John Williams, Joe Wellstead and Rob Day each taking two wickets.

Andy Diplock scored 35 and under-14 Jack Mead 25.

Luke Munt with an excellent 44 set up Ickleford's victory with Day (26no) and Dan Eldrett making 19 as a six-wicket win was achieved.