Chesterfords entertained Mole Hill Green on Saturday aware that anything but a win would seriously dent their chances of being crowned Division 3 champions. Chesterfords got off to a good start by winning the toss and choosing to bat first on a low, slow crumbling wicket.

The opening pair of James Lipscombe and Paul Phillips did not find it easy to begin with as some good accurate swing bowling from S. Barker and T. Way pinned the Chesterfords openers back. Lipscombe rode his luck in the early exchanges being dropped at silly mid off after striking a hard lofted drive straight at the fielder. Chesterfords lost there first wicket when T.Way caught Phillips off of his own bowling for 18. David Perring swiftly followed Phillips back to the pavilion taking Chesterfords score to 60 for 2 off of 14 overs. Lipscombe was looking comfortable until he misjudged the length and bounce of the ball and lofted up an easy caught and bowled chance that the impressive Way dually accepted, finishing with figures of 3 wickets for 50 runs off of 10 overs. Chesterfords soon found themselves 96 for 5 thanks to an impressive bowling and fielding display by the opposition.

Nadeem Mughal and D. Lightning were at the crease and what Chesterfords needed was a partnership of substance to put them back on track. The left hand right hand combination of Lightning and Mughal proved to be decisive. Lightning once again played an innings of grit and determination with Mughal, in his first league game of the season, proving his undoubted class at this level. Lightning provided the back up to Mughal who decided to take on the Mole Hill Green bowling attack with some aggressive shot selection. Mughal smashed the ball to all areas of the ground, picking gaps and timing the ball seemingly at will. Lightning at the other end flourished in his anchor role and allowed Mughal to play his natural game. Chesterfords raced to a final total of 234 off of there 45 after scoring an impressive 90 runs off of the last 10 overs.

With the wicket deteriorating at a rapid pace Mole Hill Green would have their work cut out to chase down Chesterfords impressive total. They did however get off to a brilliant start thanks to the wayward bowling of James Lipscombe and Tom Thake. Colin Craig and Will Connoly batted well and took the scoring opportunities when they arose. A mix up at the crease however sent the reliable Craig to the changing room after some good fielding by Adam Miles. Connolly went on to score an impressive 37 before being caught and bowled by David Perring after some good consistent bowling that forced the batsmen into making a mistake. Perring then took two quick wickets thanks to an LBW decision and an inspirational catch from 14 year old Richard Taylor that defied the laws of gravity. Francis and Barker both batted well and were beginning to put Chesterfords under pressure until Chesterfords leg spinner, David Lightning bowled Francis for 37 with an unplayable ball that gripped and turned, deceiving  the batsmen when he was looking well set. With another stunning catch from Taylor as well as a fine bowling display, Mole Hill Green fell 42 runs short of Chesterfords total.