Smit continues fine form with the bat as Tigers claim bragging rights over Preston
Bowler Mark Waters and wicket-keeper Ben Hill appeal for the wicket of Ickleford's John Hilliard. Vikki Lince - Credit: Archant
Ickleford gained local bragging rights after an ultimately comfortable home victory against near neighbours Preston.
Ickleford chose to bat first on another excellent wicket and John Hilliard got the innings off to a good start with 42.
There was then an excellent partnership of 82 between Dillon Smit and Eswar Krisnamurthy as the former continued his fine early season form with a hard struck 64 including four sixes and seven fours while Krisnamurthy made an assured 56.
Matt Baxter made 26 and Ickleford posted 258, though with the ball Blake Mills took 4-57.
Preston soon fell behind the required rate as Matt Marsden bowled six overs for just two runs. Jack Stevens made 62 but when the acceleration was needed wickets began to fall.
Ickleford produced a good bowling and fielding performance and dismissed Preston for 174, with Mills adding 35 to his earlier four wickets.
Luke Marsden produced a good spell of 4-36 and was supported by Jason Timm with 4-54.
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The 2nds seemed in a good position to beat Preston 2nds as they were 166-3 with 11 overs to go chasing a 218 target only to collapse to 176 all out.
Sam Giggle had seemingly provided the platform with an excellent 86.
Earlier Scot Crouch (2-12) and Sam Draper (2-32) bowled tightly but Liam Kenna showed his experience with 75* to steer Preston to 217 after they had been struggling at 8-3.
Ashley Caitlin made 40 after earlier taking 4-33 in the Ickleford innings.
The 3rds had a 10 wicket victory over Hatfield and Crusaders 3rds.
Hatfield were dismissed for 112 with Michael Day finishing with 4-44 while Nick Webb took 4-26.
Matt Deacon and Mark Howard were both unbeaten on 43 as Ickleford eased home in just 15 overs.
