The Saracens Herts League Preston came crashing back down to earth with a disappointing nine-wicket loss at home to Broxbourne in Division Two after securing victories against the top two teams in successive weekends. Winning the toss and electing to bat

The Saracens Herts League

Preston came crashing back down to earth with a disappointing nine-wicket loss at home to Broxbourne in Division Two after securing victories against the top two teams in successive weekends.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Preston found themselves in trouble at 26-3 after seven overs. Their precarious position was further hampered with skipper Ashley Catlin forced off the field with back spasms.

Preston lost their fifth wicket in the 20th over, Catlin returning to the crease and putting on 39 runs in a sixth wicket partnership with Andrew Waters.

Late order resistance from Waters (30), Anthony Ender (20) and Warren Hearne (17) allowed Preston to reach 159-8 from 53 overs, with Catlin remaining unbeaten on 40.

Preston opted for the old ball to try and contain Broxbourne's run rate but this backfired on them as the visitors raced to 80 without loss by the 20th over.

Their bowlers failed to find any consistency allowing Broxbourne to score freely, resulting in them reaching their target for the loss of just one wicket in the 32nd over.

The seconds made a worthwhile short trip to Watton-at-Stone in Division Six.

Their third successive away win sees them creeping up the table.

Skipper Martin Pierce elected to take first knock and his decision was fully justified as Preston amassed a grand total of 244-9 in 50 overs.

This was centred around a stunning 143 from John Garnham - a magnificent innings that saw him reach his ton in only 18 overs.

There were also some lusty blows from newcomer John Jenkins (37) and Grieg Hearne (18).

In reply the home side were always up with the run rate but lost wickets at regular intervals.

This was thanks mainly to a classy spell of swing bowling from Srini that saw him bag another five wickets at low cost.

Youngsters Ben Burrows and Casey Walker shared the other five as Preston won by 42 runs.

Ickleford slipped to an unexpected defeat to struggling Langleybury seconds.

Tom Reilly (65) and Brett Blaker (54), in his last game before returning to Australia, were the only significant contributors as Ickleford totalled 194 all out.

The hosts got home by four wickets despite James Robinson taking 2-25.

There was better news for the seconds as they piled on the runs and then bowled out visiting St Albans 4ths.

Steve Schumann fell seven short of a century and was supported by Mark Howard (60) and Dan Watson (66no) as Ickleford posted an impressive 262-2.

Roy Izzard claimed 4-42 as the Saints were dismissed for 185.