Elstree 101

Watton-at-Stone 179-8

Herts Cricket League

Division Seven

Elstree went into this game last weekend feeling optimistic but the absence of both opening bowlers and two top five batsmen proved to be their downfall.

To give Elstree their due they made Watton fight every inch of the way thanks to tight bowling and fielding, Martyn Dunn (3-62) picked up a couple of wickets. Meanwhile, skipper Graham Cane (1-20) was his usual miserly self.

As the visitors picked up the pace Elstree's Gary Watson (3-32) was the main beneficiary of wickets aided by a stunning boundary catch from Duncan Rowland. However, the writing was on the wall and Watton closed on 179-8.

In reply, Elstree didn't make the best of starts with the early removals of French and Cadogan. But things picked up as Gary Watson (14) and Dunn (43) repaired the damage. After Watson had departed Dunn was helped out by Barnett (16).

The game was now meandering its way toward a draw until Watton's leg spinner Harvey turned things upside down, much to Elstree's distress.

The final nail in the hosts' coffin was hammered home when Dunn was bowled out for 43 by the lethal Harvey.