SHL Division Seven Flamstead 187-6 beat Old Finchleians II 185-8 by four wickets Having secured promotion the previous week Flamstead were hoping that Watford Town II would slip up against Cheshunt and they would win against Old Finchleians II to move int

SHL Division Seven

Flamstead 187-6 beat Old Finchleians II 185-8 by four wickets

Having secured promotion the previous week Flamstead were hoping that Watford Town II would slip up against Cheshunt and they would win against Old Finchleians II to move into first place.

Skipper Andy Taylor won the toss and decided to field first and Flamstead had the breakthrough when Josh Rose bowled Rolwey (11) with the score on 24.

Despite a second-wicket stand of 68, Old Finchleians found scoring tough against Tim Wilkinson and Jack Smith and they were struggling at 117-3 off 40 overs. Opener Crispin (61) plugged away and a quick 30 from Soniate helped before Rose and Rogers returned to stifle the innings. Rogers struck twice and Rose had Soniate caught superbly by Smith at deep mid-off.

Wilkinson finished with 2-40, Rogers 2-59, Smith 1-43 and Rose 2-59.

Flamstead's openers Taylor and Dave Watson got off to a steady start progressing to 91 off 21 overs. Amazingly Watson was dropped seven times by the Old Finchleians fielders before he was eventually caught for 49.

Martin Lindley came out and attacked the bowling from the off, striking a quick 28 before he was caught and bowled by Depala with the score on 164. Rogers fell in the same over for a duck but an unbeaten stand of 23 between Taylor and Tim Wilkinson (12no) saw Flamstead home.

Taylor carried his bat to end with 58no to see his team to a four-wicket win.

Having secured another 30 points Flamstead soon learnt that Watford Town had beaten Cheshunt to remain in top spot with the gap still remaining at two points.

Skipper Taylor, was pleased with his own batting performance and the overall team performance.

"With one game to go now we must hope that Harpenden IV can do us a favour next week and not lose while we must beat Boxmoor at home," said Taylor.

"Our second XI are now in a very similar position in Division 12 having secured promotion with an excellent six-wicket win against Hemel Hempstead IV. They are now in third position just two points behind Hitchin III in second and five points behid top of the table Botany Bay III.

"With both teams now promoted it has been a superb season for the club.