Old Camdenians II 266-8 dec

Elstree 202-4

Herts Cricket League

Division Seven

Even though Elstree were missing six key players on Saturday, a gutsy performance helped them to a draw and eight league points.

In a bid to rebuild their depleted ranks, Elstree brought in their umpire Leroy Theophile and Herts County U15s cricketer Emma Cane, daughter of skipper Graham Cane.

Elstree's cause was also assisted by Duncan Rowland who racked up 85 superb runs.

The game started with hosts Old Camdenians batting first, and Elstree lost opener Martyn Dunn through a groin injury.

Camdenians' opening partnership scored freely during their spell at the crease to add 108 for the first wicket.

But Elstree stuck to the task at hand. By the time Old Camdenians declared on 266-8, Elstree's Duncan Rowland had covered himself in glory, taking a career best bowling figure of 4-27. Skipper Graham Cane took 4-117.

Chasing such a large total was always going to be difficult for Elstree, particularly with no strength in depth, but Rowland and Bob Small decided to have a crack.

They added 41 for the opening wicket before Small went for nine. Then Rowland was joined by Dave Barnett in a crucial stand.

Rowland batted magnificently and dispatched the ball to, and over, the boundary, as the total grew.

He hit four sixes and several fours before he was finally dismissed for 85, having shared an 84-run partnership with Barnett.

After a shortlived partnership with the injured Martyn Dunn, Barnett teamed up with Dave Ward to add 46 to the run chase.

Barnett was finally caught for 48, just two short of a well-deserved half century. Ward went on to post 36no, which helped Elstree secure maximum batting points.

Elstree II's drew their division nine match with North Mymms III. Batting second, Elstree hung on for a draw and reached 125-9 after Mymms had posted 230-3.