Harpenden skipper Lamb sees Herts home

MCCA KO Trophy Group Three

Dorset 161-7 Hertfordshire 128-2

Herts won by eight wickets under DL method

AN unbeaten 37 from Harpenden captain Nick Lamb helped Hertfordshire record an eight wicket victory in their KO Trophy clash with Dorset.

Lamb’s run-a-ball knock ensured Herts won courtesy of the Duckworth-Lewis Method in a rain affected clash at Dorchester with the two points gained enough to secure the county’s progression to the quarter-finals of the competition.

Captain Andy Lewis called the toss correctly and inserted the hosts on a pitch that offered enough to keep the bowler’s interested.

Herts were able to take wickets at regular intervals with Will Rudge, Nick Walker and another Harpenden man, Ben Frazer, all taking two wickets.

Some late order resistance from Somerset prospect Max Waller (27) and Simon Watkins (39*) ensured Dorset were able to post 161-7 from 38.1 overs when rain stopped play at 1.40pm.

The teams took lunch early but persistent drizzle meant play was not able to resume until 6.10pm, with Herts requiring 128 to win in 22 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis Method.

Herts openers Jamie Hewitt and Eddie Ballard immediately made up for lost time scoring at a run-a-ball in an opening stand of 77. Ballard (33) was first to go caught by Nick Park off the bowling of Mark Wolstenhome.

Herts continued to power towards the finishing line and despite Welwyn left-hander Hewitt (44) being trapped lbw by Waller, Lamb and Bishop’s Stortford wicketkeeper Daniel Blacktopp (7*) guided the county across the line with eight wickets in hand and 14 balls to spare.

Herts’ reward is a quarter-final tie with Devon at Sidmouth CC on Sunday, June 19.