Batsmen hits 57 in draw with Hemel

SHL Division Six

Hemel Hempstead III 219-6

Sandridge 197-8

Match Drawn

SANDRIDGE were happy to chase down a total after winning the toss against Hemel Hempstead III on Saturday.

The decision looked a good one after John Murphy and Rick Panting both took an early wicket each although further wickets would take a while to materialise. Panting continued his good form and finished with 1-27 from his 12-over spell. Dave Muskett and Lennie Peters maintained tight lines but Hemel were able to keep wickets in hand and this allowed them to exert pressure towards the end of their innings and pushed the score on beyond 200. This was more than the ‘Ridgers would have envisaged but well within range given previous run chases this season. Hemel started with spin from both ends and with Sandridge two wickets down early on Andy Norman and Peters (30) set about repairing the damage. Thier partnership of 59 ended when Peters was unfortunately run out and at that point a heavy shower took the players off the field which meant six overs were lost from the allotted 47. Returning to the field now needing eight-an-over, Norman eventually departed for 57 and a welcome return to form. Further losses pushed the rate beyond 10 but a partnership of 54 in only seven overs between John Murphy (40*) and Panting (15*) gave Sandridge some hope, however with the shortened game ending in bright sunshine they were left wondering what might have been.