Northwood Seconds had to settle for a draw with St Margaretsbury Seconds on the opening day of the season in Herts Division Six.

Contributions from all batsmen in the team guided Northwood to 210 for seven in 53 overs. Mike Kerman scored 21 and Indi Rajah added 23.

In reply, St Margaretsbury never got near ending up on 170 for six with some tight bowling from the Northwood bowlers. Ram Nandiraju, Gee Vadera and Shami Herai took two wickets apiece.

Hemel Hempstead Seconds easily defeated newly-promoted Bentley Heath by 111 runs in their opener.

John Clulow (73) and Kam Akhtar (88) were in good form as they put on 182 for the second wicket. They scored a total of 234 for five and were always in control of the match.

Hemel’s bowlers ran through the opposition with Scott Radcliffe (two for eight) and Ed Canham (two for four) bowling Bentley out for 123.