Flamstead picked up their first win of the season beating Northchurch by 109 runs

SHL Division Six

Flamstead 225-6

Northchurch II 116

Flamstead won by 109 runs

Flamstead recorded their first league win of the season when they visited Northchurch II on Saturday.

After three consecutive home defeats it was crucial that Flamstead gained a victory so that they could move off the bottom of the Division Six table.

Northchurch started the day just 6 points ahead of Flamstead so a tight game was expected. Skipper, Andy Taylor lost the toss and was surprised to be asked to bat first on a really good looking batting track. Flamstead got off to a slow but steady start with James Clark (23) dominating the scoring before Clark was caught in the gully with the score on 27 in the ninth over. Richard Heseltine (20) and Matt Brown (12) then helped Taylor in stands of 40 and 27 as Flamstead progressed to 98-3 after 26 overs. With Taylor anchoring the innings Martin Lindley (14) helped put on 44 runs. Just as Lindley was finding some form he was superbly caught at mid off. Dave Watson (6) soon followed leaving Flamstead on 144-5 after 39 overs. Taylor and Mike Bradbeer pushed the score onto 170 but then Northchurch got the breakthrough they wanted as Taylor missed a straight full toss and was bowled for a patient but important 67.

With Flamstead now looking to push for 200 plus the inspired decision to promote regular number 10, Josh Rose, worked as he smashed a quick 40 not out in only 6.4 overs. With Bradbeer (18) in support they enabled Flamstead to declare early on 225 for 6 off 50 overs.

Northchurch’s innings never got going against the opening attack of Twiggy Rogers and Tim Wilkinson and it was not long before Wilkinson had Ahmed caught at mid off by Andy Taylor with only 19 on the board. Six runs later Rogers then struck by having the dangerous looking Calder caught at mid wicket and with the chairman then picking up the next two wickets (including a fantastic leg side catch by keeper, Mike Bradbeer) Northchurch were reeling on 41 for 4. Josh Rose then took over from Rogers and soon got another breakthrough as he bowled A. Meager for 14 with the score on 48. Wilkinson, who had bowled a tight opening spell of nine overs, seven maidens, three for 10, was then replaced by young off-spinner, Jack Smith. Lerpiniere and Walker then put on 25 before Smith bowled Walker. Lerpiniere (26*) and young colt, Spencer (16) then put together a stubborn stand of 27 before Smith struck again by having Spencer caught at mid on.

With Northchurch on 114 for 7 both Rogers and Wilkinson were brought back into the attack and it was not long before they wrapped up the innings with Wilkinson picking up two more wickets and Rogers one.

Skipper, Andy Taylor, was delighted with his team’s performance and their opening win of the season which meant Flamstead moved out of the bottom four. “At last we got some runs on the board and built some useful partnerships,” he said.

“Our bowlers also bowled a better line and length especially the chairman who finished up with great figures of five for 15 off 11 overs. Hopefully we can now put together a good run and next week have Old Albanian II who are also struggling down the bottom of the table.”