Chesterfords’ played host to Hockerill on Saturday desperate for their first win of the season. Chesterfords won the toss and put Hockerill into bat on a damp surface that looked as though it may get better as the day progressed.

Chesterfords’ opening bowlers bowled a consistent line and length with the pitch offering a great deal of movement and uneven bounce. Matt Miles was the first to claim a wicket after some sustained pressure with a ball that nipped away and took the edge of Sean Foster which David Lightning took easily at keeper. The following over Wazz Mughal struck with some help from Jamie Perring taking a fine catch at mid off. A. Francis was the only batsmen prepared to work hard on a very difficult track. He kept his concentration and began to find his rhythm as he began to slowly accumulate his runs. He frustrated the Chesterfords’ bowlers as he played and missed countless times outside the off stump. However this was destined to be his day and his smart shot selection and down right stubbornness paid off with what proved to be a match winning innings of 103. After Phillips ( 3 for 25 ) had taken the wicket of Francis, Hockerill only managed to score 16 runs for the loss of 5 wickets giving them a final total of 187.

A. Francis’ belligerent approach should have served as an example of how to bat on this difficult wicket but thanks to some good bowling and a pitch that deteriorated, Chesterfords’ soon found themselves in trouble. Tom Price and David Perring were the only two batsmen that offered any resistance scoring 29 and 23 respectively. Chesterfords’ were eventually bowled out for 122 in the 44^th over. Next week Chesterfords’ face Thorley who find themselves at the bottom of the table in a game they must win.