The calculations have been made and we can definitely say that both the Seconds and the Fourths will be promoted as Champions of their respective divisions. They cannot now be overhauled. Well-done to all players who have represented these teams in this very successful season.
The Firsts were all-out for a mere 82 away versus Langleybury, Chris Jackson top-scoring with 25. But the Bury knocked off the target without losing a wicket.
The Seconds, skippered this week by Phil Frenay, managed only 165 all-out, runs mainly coming from Rob Lankester supported by Matt Bowles, but the bowling department shared the wickets as Cockfosters were bowled out for 131 giving Reed a 34-run victory. Jack Caine bowled 8 overs and conceded just 7 runs. In 2016, the Seconds will be in Division 4B.
On paper, the Thirds had a strong and experienced batting line-up. But in the end replied to Hertford’s 204 for 9 with only 144. John Kershaw was 46 not out trying to reach that extra batting point, but it was all in vain. Now that the results are in, it is sad to report that the Thirds failed to score sufficient points to avoid relegation so next season they will be playing in Division 8B.
Over at St Christopher’s School in Letchworth, Lloyd Bowman’s Fourth team ended their league programme by racking-up an astonishing 335 all-out in their 45 overs. Zac Conley registered his third ton of the season scoring 127, Martin Johnson scored 88 and Bill Mansfield chipped-in with 41. Neil Haslam claimed 3 wickets as Stevenage ended on 147 all-out. Regional Division B East beckons for the Fourths next year.
For those not on Tour, Richard Barlow arranged a Conference fixture with Forest Gate at Reed. The visitors made 179, Zac Conley taking 3 for 5. Although Reed were all-out in the gloomy drizzle for 98 in reply, the man-of-the-match was undoubtedly Rob Lankester who caught 2 as wicket-keeper, ran-out another with a direct throw, took a caught-and-bowled, then top-scored with 30.
Expect Match Reports to follow shortly.
PGB
