Interrupted by showers at regular intervals, Weston’s innings was given impetus by Hitchin batsman Pugh, who with Hitchin teammate Parkhouse, flailed the Reed opening attack for 32 runs within 5 overs. KK Ward struck to split the partnership but Pugh continued batting to reach 56 before falling to a well-judged catch by Foy in the deep. McKean and Richards then each scored 33 and with an additional 20 extras, Weston ended on 178 for 8 after 39 overs of this North Herts League match. David Hill took 2 for 21 and Clive Collins 2 for 25, other solitary wickets falling to Marcus Baker, Will Heald and Keiran Ward. Unfortunately for Reed, both Pugh, (3 for 35), and Parkhouse, (3 for 10), were also a potent bowling attack and when teamed with Ollie Batson, (2 for 8), Reed’s top-order batsmen were back in the hutch with only 38 on the board. Number 6, James Foy, returning after a couple of seasons overseas, scored 44 and while Steve Lovegrove, (17), partnered him Reed had a chance of reaching their target. But it was not to be. Lamprell contributed 2 wickets for 20 and the last Reed wicket fell at 132 giving victory to Weston by 46 runs. |
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