Abbots Langley earned a seven-run win over Chipperfield Clarendon in their warm-up game.

Abbots found the going fairly tough early on with the Chipperfield Clarendon bowlers finding movement with the new ball and keeping a tight line.

It was left to the middle order trio of Mitch Inglis (24), Dave Carlisle (24) and Matt Parkins (36 on debut) to keep the scoreboard ticking along. A late flourish from Lawrence Watson (20 not out including two big sixes) and Blesson Ghoghe (17) took Abbots to 156 for nine.

Watson, for once, got the fortune he so often deserves but so rarely seems to get and took the first three wickets of the innings in a spell of three for 27.

Jay Parmar (one for 16 off six) and Dom Smith (one for 20 off eight) kept the runs down well, helped by some excellent ground fielding. Aiden Byrne and Sam Bailey took a wicket each but it looked like Chipperfield would sneak home. But the excellent Parkins was introduced and he claimed three for five to guide Abbots to the win.

Abbots Seconds lost to Chipperfield Clarendon by four wickets with the penultimate ball.

Metcalfe showed the power he has and fell just short of a deserved 50. Rob Handoll meanwhile continued until the end finishing with a superb 86 as Abbots posted 198 for three.

Dropped catches cost them the game as Chipperfield claimed the win.