Leverstock Green’s 235 proved to be too many for Wheathampstead to chase down on a good, flat Bedmond Road track.

Losing the toss, skipper Sam Ledger was surprised when Leverstock decided to bat on a damp looking track.

At 57-3, Wheathampstead were restricting the run-rate. However, it was downhill from there. Despite a four-for from opener Nick Martin, the rest of the bowling and fielding was inadequate and the hosts declared after 46 overs on 235, with Marc Simonds scoring an excellent century.

With plenty of overs to get chase the target, a partnership of 69 between Chris Martin (40) and Ledger (31) gave Wheathampstead hope. However, once they were dismissed in quick succession, with Martin leaving a straight one, the wheels fell off.

Pete Griffiths showed some resistance with 26, but the remaining batsman were dismissed 58 runs short of the total.

Twelve points from a loss was the only plus for Ledgers’ charges.