The rain did nothing to boost the hopes of Stevenage and Knebworth Park at opposite ends of the HCPL Division Two East. Stevenage s game at Hemel Hempstead was completely washed out and they are now 27 points behind Welwyn Garden City, who were winners ov

The rain did nothing to boost the hopes of Stevenage and Knebworth Park at opposite ends of the HCPL Division Two East.

Stevenage's game at Hemel Hempstead was completely washed out and they are now 27 points behind Welwyn Garden City, who were winners over North Mymms.

Park are seven points adrift at the foot of the table after their game with Sawbridegworth was curtailed by the weather. Sawbo had struggled to 149-7 off 44 overs when the match was abandoned.

Park thirds continued their winning ways in truly dramatic fashion.

They kept alive their promotion hopes with a close victory over Chorleywood 2nds which keeps them fifth in Division Five.

Park were asked to bat first on a damp wicket and found the going tough against accurate bowling.

A fine 51 from Michael Carter together with a valuable 29 from Steve Holmes and a late flourish by Sandy Reynolds and Nick Simpson saw Park reach 175-8 from their 53 overs.

Chorleywood, assisted by some dropped catches, looked to have the match won needing only 36 runs with six wickets in hand and 10 overs left.

The reintroduction of young paceman Simpson and the evergreen Bill Martin completely changed the game. A superb diving catch by Alex Richmond off the bowling of Simpson started the comeback.

Simpson's pace then accounted for three more batsmen before Martin finished the game by removing the dangerous Singh for 52 to win by 14 runs. Simpson finished with 5-42 and Martin 2-27.