DUKESMEAD Women's Cricket Club - enjoying only their second full season of action in Southern League Division One - lost their latest fixture at home to Letchworth.
The visitors were put in to bat, and this seemed the correct decision as they were reduced to 9 for 2 in the fifth over.
Excellent bowling from Judy Wilmot (2-24 off nine) and inspired catches from Lorraine Poole and captain Katie Berry had Dukesmead tails up.
Emma Cane of Letchworth had other ideas, and her innings was only brought to an end by a brilliant close catch by Marilyn Smith when she had reached 97.
She was well supported by Jules Clark (57), and Dukesmead were left a target of 207.
Claire Slaney held the innings together following a top order collapse, scoring a steady 28. Marilyn Smith (59) and Ruth Bailey (20) attacked the bowling, well supported by Cath Gould (20), but the target was just too high.
Last week, Dukesmead had to settle for a draw against Shepperton - just running out of overs in their pursuit of 203 for victory.
Great knocks from Marilyn Smith (80 not out) and Ruth Bailey (51) were not quite enough for the Southern League Division One club, who closed on 197.
Shepperton's innings was built around spirited hits from Helen Cambray (33), Chris Shepley (65 not out) and Evette Burton (67).
This weekend the girls travel to Portsmouth to face the unbeaten league leaders.
Dukesmead are on the lookout for new players.
Training is on Thursday nights at the Old Actonians Club, where they play their matches. Check the link on the Old Actonians website for more details.
