Division Three London Colney 221-9 (53) Clifton 222-3 (42) LONDON Colney went on the road to Clifton on Saturday, and, despite posting what should have been a competitive score, saw it overhauled with ease. Batting first, Colney

Division Three

London Colney 221-9 (53) Clifton 222-3 (42)

LONDON Colney went on the road to Clifton on Saturday, and, despite posting what should have been a competitive score, saw it overhauled with ease.

Batting first, Colney saw a decent opening partnership between Adam Buckmaster (37) and Phil McLaughlin (26) followed up with runs from all of the middle order, particularly Ady Fisher (28) and Tony Holloway (28).

Crucially, despite seven of the first eight batsmen making double figures, every one was out without going on to make a really significant contribution.

As a result Matt Bristow (21 not out) and the tail were concerned with trying to bat out the overs, and the closing score of 221-9 was probably below par in what were excellent batting conditions.

In reply, Colney's bowlers were unable to seriously trouble Clifton top order as they chased the target down with an almost serene inevitability.

It was left to the spinners Matt Bristow and Ady Fisher, claiming a single wicket each, and a run out from the field, to grab three bowling points, as Clifton got home by seven wickets on 222-3.

The run in is crucial, with games against a number of sides in a similar predicament, and Colney must hope that availability, which has been disappointing lately, starts to pick up.

Colney II went down to their fifth straight defeat, at home to Northwood Town II in Division Seven.

After winning the toss, and mindful of the importance of bonus points, Colney skipper Paul Seymour opted to bat, and saw in-form Connor Dow hit 44 batting at 3.

Seymour joined Paul Wise with Colney tottering at 81-4 and the pair put on 50 together before late hitting from Den Hadley and Matt Irvine, saw Colney reach 201-9 at the close.

Northwood's reply was all about a match wining 98 from their skipper, who, apart from offering a difficult caught and bowled chance early on, held the innings together until he was bowled by Connor Dow with the match almost won.

Colney kept chipping away, and by the time Northwood staggered over the line they were eight down, and but for a dropped catch in the closing overs Colney might even have claimed the win.

Colney are now firmly in the fourth relegation spot and they know they probably need at least two wins from the last six fixtures to stay up.