Division Four West Herts II 99-10 (46.2) Redbourn 102-2(27.1) REDBOURN made it six wins from six matches, with another commanding performance against West Herts II in Division Four on Saturday. Skipper Dan Roe won the toss

Division Four

West Herts II 99-10 (46.2) Redbourn 102-2(27.1)

REDBOURN made it six wins from six matches, with another commanding performance against West Herts II in Division Four on Saturday.

Skipper Dan Roe won the toss and after inserting the visitors his decision was vindicated as opening bowlers John Fleming and Faiz Ahmed gave the West Herts batsmen a torrid time. Both made early inroads with balls that nipped back of the seam, as West Herts stuttered to 15-2 off 15 overs.

Redbourn continued to dominate and Dan Thatcher struck thanks to a fine catch from Toby Ascroft, diving to his right at mid-on. Thatcher found a good line early on and was twice on a hat trick as his 4-20 off nine overs ripped out the West Herts middle order. Fleming continued to bowl with consistent line and length and was rewarded with superb figures of 4 for 35 off 21 overs. At 67 for 9, the end was close, until a stubborn 10th wicket partnership of 32 saw West Herts reach 99, before the returning Faiz Ahmed (2 for 33) took the final wicket.

In reply, Chris Yorath and Simon Osman gave Redbourn another good opening stand, adding 42 for the first wicket. Yorath fell for 26, and when Osman fell with the score on 59, it was left to skipper Roe (23 not out) and Geoff Tookey (21 not out) to see Redbourn home for the loss of two wickets.

Redbourn have an away fixture at North Mymms next Saturday, and skipper Roe will be looking for another good performance from his side. He said: "We've had a terrific start to the season, but we're fully aware that we cannot let up, as there are plenty of tough matches ahead of us."

Redbourn II delivered an inspired performance to beat Rickmansworth IIs in an enthralling Division Seven contest.

Skipper Antony Mauder lost the toss and his side were put in to bat on a wicket with wickedly variable bounce.

A total of 160 was decided early on as being a reasonable target and opener David Smith kept a steady run rate going with assistance from Matt Cramer (21) and Mauder.

When Smith fell for a fine 41, Redbourn collapsed to 120-7. Chris Godfrey, promoted from the thirds, played some elegant strokes for 29 and with a late contribution from Pete Cridland (15) Redbourn recovered to post a competitive 165-9 off 53 overs.

Rickmansworth's reply started in rapid fashion with opener Nasser smashing several fours in the first six overs. Mauder's field placings covered Nassers favourite shots, and with tricky bowling from Cridland and Martin Benfield, the run rate began to rise.

Chris Godfrey's leg spin picked up 3 for 37 and Cridland removed 3-30. With nine balls left and five runs to win, Benfield (4 for 61) clean bowled the number 11 for a dramatic Redbourn victory.

Redbourn III made it a full set of wins for the club with a comprehensive defeat of Datchworth IIIs in Division 13.

Spinner Matt Lloyd picked up two quick wickets to leave Datch 12 for 2 after Redbourn won the toss. Lloyd finished with best ever figures of 6 for 44 and was supported well by Tom Cridland (4 for 20). Datch were all out for 119 in the 47th over. Redbourn reached the target on 120-0 as captain John Pritchard scored a magnificent 75 not out, supported by 14-year-old Jack Dyer (15 not out).