HARPENDEN fell at the first hurdle in the HCPCL Twenty20 tournament, falling 27 runs short of their target.

Herts Advertiser: Action from Harpenden's first round exit in the HCPCL Twenty20 against Sawbridgeworth. Picture by James LatterAction from Harpenden's first round exit in the HCPCL Twenty20 against Sawbridgeworth. Picture by James Latter (Image: Archant)

Having elected to bowl, Harpenden saw Sawbridgeworth pass the 50-run mark before making any inroads. Jack Doyle (3-26) took the first three wickets of the game – Rob Sanders (24), Charlie Rudkin (21) and Dean Chisnall (7) – leaving the visitors at 74-3.

Michael Burrell (24) and Tom Waring (20) pushed the score on but after their dismissals at 129-5 Sawbridgeworth’s tail end only managed six runs before their allotted overs came to an end.

In reply Gregg Cooper (42) and James Latham (20) put on a 65-run partnership for the first wicket. However, when Latham was bowled by Ben Waring it opened the flood gates and three more wickets fell quickly.

The dismissal of Oliver Tuck (0) after just two balls from Waring started the flurry. Jack Doyle (2) was next, caught by Paul Billings off Matt Birch’s bowling. Then Cooper’s innings came to an end, Billings this time providing the delivery that was caught by Chris Bird.

Tom Stewart (11) added some quickfire runs but Harpenden failed to surpass the target and were knocked out in the first round of the competition.

Final score: Harpenden (108-7) lost to Sawbridgeworth (135-8) by 27 runs.

Harpenden get their league campaign underway on Saturday against Potters Bar on the Common, 11am start.