Radlett got their Saracens Hertfordshire Cricket League Premier Division season underway with a convincing 53-run victory over Hertford – but there was less joy for Harpenden at home to Letchworth Garden City.
Radlett were put into bat by their hosts at Balls Park after losing the toss but soon made them regret that decision as Fraser Crawford and Tom Jenkins cut loose.
Both hit centuries as they put on 226 for the first wicket. Jenkins was the first to go after 115 and Crawford followed but only after he had taken his 98 at the time of his partner’s departure onto 109.
Skipper Kabir Toor added 30 as Radlett finished their 50 overs on 311-5.
But if the batting had belonged to the openers, the bowling was shared around a little bit more evenly.
Simeon Cohen came in with the best figures, claiming 4-52, but he was ably-assisted by Toor (3-53) and Darren James (2-51).
They helped slow Hertford down after their openers had tried to repeat Radlett’s lead.
Richard Leather (53) and William Ray (33) made 77 before Ray was caught by Louis Prideaux off the bowling of Toor.
From there wickets fell at fairly regular intervals and the run-rate slowed, with only a 77 from James Leather causing any nervous moments.
He departed with the hosts on 224-7 and they would be all out for 258 with the penultimate ball.
But if Radlett had hit the ground running, Harpenden were not so fortunate.
Letchworth GC put in one of their finest displays in recent years to record a 39-run win at Harpenden Common.
Harpenden had also won the toss and elected to field but saw Will Aitkenhead and Tom Simmons put on 124 for the first wicket in quick time.
Maxford Pipe added 51 to keep the scoreboard ticking over as Letchworth made 260-8.
Ben Clements did his best to stem the tide with a fine return of 4-30 and Billy May took two wickets.
Clements and Ben Frazer were removed early as Harpenden’s reply stuttered to 43-3.
But an excellent anchor role by Gregg Cooper kept Harps in the match.
He made 101 but two run-outs finished the contest.
The two sides meet in the first derby game of the year on Saturday with Radlett the hosts.
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