Free-scoring Clarendon Chipperfield inflicted an eight-wicket defeat on Eversholt in Saracens Hertfordshire League Division Three on Saturday.

Batting first, Eversholt could only must 162, with D Warde (72) easily their highest scorer.

There were also modest contributions from N Farmer (18), J Nichols (16), J Fuller (12) and L Singleton (15) as Chipperfield's bowlers took control. C Evans led the way with 3-22 and was backed up by P Swart (2-28), I Grout (2-40) and G Wise (2-42). Chipperfield had few problems as they eased to 163-2. A Moore managed 21, while G Wise thumped an unbeaten 78 and M Birtwistle 44 not out. The only Eversholt bowler to take a wicket was J Fuller with 21-1.

An unbroken 24-over spell from club chairman, Dave Garratt, produced a second win on the road in a week for Eversholt IIs as they beat Chipperfield Clarendon IIIs by 36 runs in Division Eight.

His 8-57 were the best figures of his playing career as an under par total of 144 all our from Eversholt proved to be more than enough.

Eversholt chose to bat first on a dry pitch, but the hosts used their quick bowlers to good effect as first George Wheeler and then Tommy Gray each picked up three wickets, with Gray claiming a hat-trick of Phil McDuell (31), Robert Friend and Rob Garratt to a stunning catch at slip by Chris Bangs - made more impressive as the fielder has recently passed 60. At 48-6 Dave Garratt was joined by Paul Litchfield who was promptly dropped by gully while still on naught. Both then batted patiently, putting on a 50-run partnership, before Dave Garratt was dismissed for 28.

The tail wagged, with important runs coming from number 11 Mo Uddin, before he was dismissed leaving Litchfield unbeaten on 37.

After tea, experienced duo Litchfield and Dave Garratt applied plenty of pressure with the openers managing to score 30 runs from 20 overs.
Following a few close calls Dave Garratt made the breakthrough with two wickets in four balls.

A procession followed as Dave Garratt powered to seven victims with some good close catching from Mark Ling, Andy Page and Litchfield.

McDuell (2-7) then removed Chipperfield's stubborn opener John Fitzgerald for 32 before a brief flurry from the tail took the total to 108.

Dave Garratt then struck for the eighth and final time, bowling Gray, for a hard-fought 36 run win.

Eversholt claimed a decisive five-wicket win against Caldecote in Bedfordshire County Cricket League Division One on Sunday.

Caldecote made 140, with batsmen J Welch (36) B Sizer (18), J Bracey (28) and R Bowyer (36) all contributing. J Garratt was Eversholt's best bowler with 4-17, while J Macmillan and M Fuller both claimed three wickets each. Eversholt eased to 141-5, largely thanks to J Garratt's 78 and R Girardi's 34. B Sizer claimed 3-30, while D Wheatley and J Welch bith got a wicket each.

Meanwhile, Cople were due to be playing Lashings today (Thursday), and for a report and pictures see the Biggleswade Chronicle, on sale at newsagents from Friday, or visit www.bedfordtoday.co.uk