Ickleford ended their debut season in division 1 of the Saracens Herts League with a disappointing performance that lacked their usual intensity. But to finish fifth was an excellent outcome in their first season at this level.
Ickleford reduced Broxbourne to 137-7 and seemed well on top. But a partnership of 98 for the eighth wicket changed the complexion of the game and Broxbourne ended up with 237-8. Luke Marsden again bowled well with 3-35 from his 10 overs while Axel Morris took 2-25. At 124-4 Ickleford seemed in control as Sammy Fookes made another excellent half century with 51 and Matt Baxter made 25. But then a collapse set in and 124-4 became 147 all out as the innings imploded. But the season was all about consolidation and Ickleford probably over achieved with their fifth place finish.
The second team were beaten by just 10 runs by Preston 2’s. Preston batted first and made 248-7 with Peter Godden making 85. Thomas Brown and Duncan Jenner each took 2 wickets while Scot Crouch bowled a tight spell.
Ickleford were always in the hunt with Sam Giggle making 35 and Duncan Jenner 41. But Mark Schumann was the star performer and he made an excellent 77. He fell with 27 more needed for victory and this proved beyond the tail and Ickleford were dismissed for 238. Despite the victory Preston 2’s were relegated.
The third team had a brilliant win at Aldenham who despite their defeat ended up as champions of division 10A. Ickleford dismissed Aldenham for just 97 as Rob Day produced a match winning spell of 5-33 in his 10 overs. He was well supported by Michael Day 2-13 and Richard Peareth 2-19.
The wicket was not easy but a number of batsmen produced double figures as Ickleford got home by 4 wickets. Mark Howard 15, Adam Brockett 18, Ben Whelan 15 and Peareth 17 set the stage for youngsters Jack Holmes and Sam Dermont to see Ickleford home.