Parkfield & Headstone lost to Hatfield Crusaders by three wickets

DISCRETION and sportsmanship went out of the window as Parkfield were sunk by the Crusaders in Division Five of the Saracens Herts League.

Ian Schmid took five for 73 as Crusaders racked up 234 for seven in 51 overs. Having lost three quick wickets, Schmid (93) and Raj Kanabar (47) pushed the Parkfield and Headstone innings on to 169 for three, leaving a gettable 65 off the last 10 overs.

However, the visitors then collapsed to a disappointing 195 all out in 48 overs before they saw two precious bowling points chalked off after Hatfield reported that the first innings bowling effort went five minutes over the allotted three hours.

Parkfield & Headstone second XI notched up their second win of the season with a fine batting performance against Potters Bar IV in division nine.

The visitors were inserted on another good Saddlers Mead wicket, and reached 182 for six in 53 overs. Bowlers toiled in the heat and three of the wickets were run outs thanks to fine ground fielding by PHCC, but at least three catches were put down.

After tea a great partnership by Avi Kumarasinghe (67) and Vasi Shaikh (53*) brought the scores level for the loss of four wickets in 33 overs.

The third team travelled to Flamstead seconds for the Division 12 clash, and having lost the toss were soon in trouble with two wickets down in as many overs.

The middle order dug in, with Vic Mayers (45) and in-form youngster Ben Lloyd (41) the top scorers in a competitive total of 179 for seven. Flamstead middle order knocked off the runs with 13 overs to spare.