HCPL Division Two East Hertford 117-10 (41.1) Harpenden 118-3 (30.3) HARPENDEN coach Younis Ahmed was delighted with the bowling display as his side recorded victory at home to Hertford on Saturday. The former Pakistan Test player and county star

HCPL Division Two East

Hertford 117-10 (41.1) Harpenden 118-3 (30.3)

HARPENDEN coach Younis Ahmed was delighted with the bowling display as his side recorded victory at home to Hertford on Saturday.

The former Pakistan Test player and county star saw his bowlers make light of the loss of the HCPL Division Two East joint top wicket taker Mark Mason and remove Hertford for 117. Ahmed praised his bowlers when speaking to Herts Advertiser sports reporter David Brawn. He said: "It makes it really impressive. The boys are learning. When we don't have a main bowler available somebody has got to come out and do something. It was our most experienced campaigner John Kerley who took four wickets which was a brilliant contribution. He really bowled beautifully, moving the ball a lot away from the bat.

"We also had our captain Ben Mahoney back and he took the crucial wicket of their overseas player which was a big wicket and a huge breakthrough for us. Mike Howard hadn't bowled all season and he came on to bowl beautifully and took two vital wickets. He bowls a very tight line and length and I would like to see him bowl more, particularly with overcast conditions. He has a lot of experience.

"It was a good toss to win but having said that, you still have to go out and perform and it was a credit to the boys that they did that."

With the bat, Harpenden openers Will Jones (25) and Adam Winchester (45) put their side into a great position. Mike Howard (33 not out) and Tom Stewart (4 not out) then finished the job. Ahmed said: "Adam Winchester is getting better and better. His last two innings have been really tremendous. Opening the batting is never easy particularly in overcast conditions and the opening partnership was crucial for us.

"Now we have got a couple of very important players back like Will Jones, Will Spencer and Tom Stewart and the batting is looking quite strong."

Harpenden go away to Bishop's Stortford on Saturday and will be without Mason and skipper Mahoney who has fractured his foot. Ahmed is putting his faith in young prospects Joseph Peck and James Absalom. He said: "Joe Peck is bowling fairly quickly and James has also been performing well for us. He is still learning his trade but it is the right time to offer him the opportunity to go and play with the big boys."

Harpenden III were beaten at Lockhart Field by Clarendon in Division Four on Saturday.

Clarendon won the toss and bowled out Harps for just 96, with Drew McMillan claiming 9-49. In reply, Paul Wadhams picked up three wickets but Clarendon sealed the win on 98-4.

In Division Seven, Harpenden IV beat Little Berkhamsted Sahibs at St George's School, thanks to a fine century from Stuart Bashford.

Opener Bashford blasted 104 not out as Harpenden reached 209-5 before declaring after 52 overs. Michael Hughes (45) provided good support.

In reply, Sahibs were struck out for just 66 with Mark Hoefield bowling 11.5 overs with four maidens and taking 6-19. David Robinson picked up three wickets from his 11 over spell at the other end.

Paul Baker picked up five wickets but Harpenden V had to settle for a draw against Wormley III in Division 13. Harpenden scored 114-9 and Wormley III batted out on 88-8 off 43 overs in reply. Baker claimed 5-34 off 22 overs for Harpenden.