HCPL Division Two East West Herts 251-6 (60) Harpenden 163-7 (50) HARPENDEN had to settle for a draw after some resilient batting from the lower order at home to West Herts on Saturday. West Herts won the toss and decided to bat first, with opener

HCPL Division Two East

West Herts 251-6 (60) Harpenden 163-7 (50)

HARPENDEN had to settle for a draw after some resilient batting from the lower order at home to West Herts on Saturday.

West Herts won the toss and decided to bat first, with opener Neal Parlane scoring 94 and contributions from Craig Sanders (30), Matthew Smith (28 not out) and Ian Gurney (47) guiding them to an imposing 251-6 off 60 overs. Mark Mason, Ben Mahoney and Sulaman Qadir each picked up two wickets for Harpenden.

In reply, opener Adam Winchester contributed 23 but at 64-4, the prospects of chasing down the total did not look good. Tom Stewart fired a vital 39 and it was left to bowlers Ben Mahoney (14 not out) and Mark Mason (21 not out) to guide Harps to safety on 163-7 off 50 overs.

In Division Three of the Saracens Herts League, Harpenden II continued their charge towards the title with an emphatic drubbing of hosts Clifton.

The home side won the toss and chose to bat but were soon reduced to 1-2 and, with Chris Arnold claiming 5 for 31 off 12 overs, Harpenden dismissed them for 121. Simon Murray took two wickets and Chris Roe and Peter Makower each picked up one.

In reply, opener Tony Hooper fired 66 not out off 88 balls with seven fours and two sixes and Mick Brookes hit 49 off 77 balls with eight fours as Harpenden wrapped up the win on 122-0 off 27.3 overs.

Harpenden III recorded a fine win away at Hatfield Hyde in Division Four after losing the toss and being asked to field.

Ryan King smashed 91 off 76 balls as HH posted 169 all out. Mike Cooper claimed 6 for 48 for Harpenden. In reply, contributions from Alex Randall (48), Simon Wade (26), Duncan Gilson (21) and David Byrne (21) guided Harpenden to 170-9 off 50 overs for the victory. The amazing King bagged 7 for 57 to add to his batting blast for HH but it was not enough for a result.

In Division Seven Harpenden IV had the easiest win of all as visitors Hoddesdon III conceded the clash.

On Sunday, Harpenden hosted a friendly clash with Harpenden Dolphins with plenty of fireworks on the Common.

Opener Oliver Tuck smashed 85 not out off 90 balls with seven fours and two sixes and number three Dean Halls clubbed 79 off 74 balls with six fours and two sixes. Harpenden posted 181-1 off 30 overs and in reply the Dolphins reached 124-8 off their 30 overs. Amit Mathur cracked 87 off 91 balls with nine fours and two sixes to match the spectacular run scoring off the first innings. Paul Wadhams took four wickets for Harpenden and Ben Rogers claimed two.