SHL Division Six

Sandridge 193-9

Letchworth III 183-7

Match Drawn

SANDRIDGE were frustrated at Letchworth III on Saturday despite once again playing the better cricket of the match.

Having lost the toss again the ‘Ridgers were asked to bat first on a wicket made damp by the overnight rain and soon found themselves three down for 47.

A 58-run partnership in good time between Paul Rothery and Lennie Peters gave the initiative back to the batting side and when Peters went for 26 Kevin Murphy joined Rothery who continued to play positively for his 65. When he was dismissed in the 33rd over Kevin Murphy ensured that the remaining overs were used allowing Dave Muskett to add 25* including six huge 6s at the end of the innings.

The Letchworth reply started well for Sandridge with Lawrence White (3-65) picking up three quick wickets and Lennie Peters (3-41 from 19 overs) one from the other end. With his side four down for less than 40 the Letchworth skipper dug in and along with his partner defied the Sandridge bowlers. Rick Panting eventually got the breakthrough although Letchworth were now well behind the rate so some generous field placements were employed in an attempt to generate some arial shots. With Sandridge confident they were not going to lose they were able to pick up a couple more wickets but were not able to force a win they really wanted to maintain their top four position in the league.