Bridger leads batsmen in derby day victory

Caldecote v Great Barford & Mowsbury PNL-150508-110955002

It was a day for the batsmen as Henlow went down by 31 runs at home to Clifton seconds in the Beds Invitation League Division Two on Saturday.

Despite losing both openers cheaply, the visitors took full advantage of first use of the excellent batting strip as they amassed 248-3 in their 40 overs. Luke Bridger scored an unbeaten 89 and was well supported by Jacob Barnes (50). Steve Brookes (42no) then added the finishing touch with a typically robust knock.

Oscar Fas was unlucky not to add more wickets to his 1-22.

Henlow were 79-4 in reply but a fifth wicket partnership of 130 between Pete Gratrick, whose fantastic innings of 90 included 14 fours and a six, and skipper Danny Barker (41 not out) offered hope of an unlikely victory. They eventually closed on 217-5.

Felix Cullip (2-33) was in good form and was well supported by youngster Kieran Jones who bowled his five overs for just ten runs.

A fourth wicket stand of 156 between Sameen Safi and Kai Griffiths-Shilton steered Caldecote to a 79 run success over Great Barford and Mowsbury.

The pair came together with the score on 66-3. Safi scored 77 with Griffiths-Shilton smashing 17 4s and two 6s in a score of 115 to propel their side to 298-5. K Kariyawasam, Sareer Safi, Karl Madden and Sam Oakins took two wickets apiece as the visitors were skittled in 41 overs.