Warden edge to victory in Bury close encounter

Bedford chose to bat first at The Bury and their openers made good early progress.

However once they were dismissed the innings stuttered. Jonathan Dove removed a couple and Mark Brownridge took 4-21 off six overs to restrict Bedford to 198.

In Old Warden’s reply Brownridge led from the front. He made xx and, ably supported by Richard Dutton (37) they put themselves in a strong position. Further runs from Dominic Mawdsley (36) helped the chase along and although they started losing wickets Warden made it home in the 45th over with three wickets in hand.

Conor Robson hit a half century for Langford but it wasn’t enough to stop them slipping to a seven wicket loss to Ampthill.

That was largely due to a superb unbeaten innings from Michael Wiles - although the Ampthill batsman was stuck on 99 when his side passed the Langford total.

Henlow made home advantage count again as they moved top of Division Two.

Making full use of batting first on an excellent Henlow track, openers Adrian Crawley (42) and Wayne Bilcock (92) laid the platform and Pete Gratrick remained unbeaten on 78 as they set an imposing 264-3 in their 40 overs.

Visitors Grafham were never likely to chase this down and were all out for 155 in the penultimate over.

In Sandy’s match at Pilgrims Oakley IIs Lee Eplett took a four wicket haul but it was a rare highlight in a heavy 145 run defeat.

In Division Three Biggleswade beat Roadrunners off the final delivery of the game.

Roadrunners batted first and started well, the innings closing on 213-6.

The Biggleswade reply stuttered before James Gauge and Harry Roberts then added 145 for the fourth wicket. During the partnership Gauge made his maiden century for the club before being bowled for 106.

Roberts was stumped for 43 and when Ben Gauge was bowled by Ryan Hassell the side still needed 23 off the final 4 overs.

Into the final over and five runs were taken off the first five balls. Biggleswade were on 212 when the final delivery was bowled, so Biggleswade could win, lose or tie. Thomas bowled, Mick Dagless hit a boundary and Biggleswade had won by two wickets.