First XI, SHPCL Championship.
A couple of fiery spells by Ed Wharton, which earned him 5 wickets were not enough to prevent Letchworth triumphing by 2 wickets after they appeared to be cantering to an easy win.
Reed found runs hard to come by against spinners Maxford Pipe (10-3-16-1) and captain, William Bates, (10-2-32-3). However, the Heslams put together a solid opening partnership of 48 with Will scoring 36 whilst Richard Wharton (32) and Tom Greaves (21) matched their efforts.It was left to Mitchell Cooper though, who smashed 15 off the final over, including two towering sixes which took them to a respectable total of 195-8.
With a steady drizzle falling, Letchworth set off at a rapid rate, although Ed Wharton accounted for two top batsmen in Simmons and Bates with only 17 on the board. Nevertheless, with West Indian one day international Pipe (29) running swiftly and scoring freely and opener Aitkenhead (48) and Winchester (58) contributing quick runs, Letchworth soon raced to 150-3. Sean Tidey made the breakthrough and took a diving catch to halt the charge and when Ed Wharton returned to claim two more wickets, ending with 10-1-46-5, the looked to be in the balance. A composed ninth wicket stand saw Letchworth home, however.
Report submitted by Peter Wholley.
