TOM DUPUY starred with bat and ball as Baldock beat Northwood II to record a second successive league win. The sultry conditions were always going to favour the batsmen, so it was no surprise that home side Northwood elected to bat having won the toss. T

TOM DUPUY starred with bat and ball as Baldock beat Northwood II to record a second successive league win.

The sultry conditions were always going to favour the batsmen, so it was no surprise that home side Northwood elected to bat having won the toss.

Their openers made a solid start on a good pitch, posting 158 before Dupuy made a double breakthrough, removing two wickets in quick succession.

However, this did little to break the Northwood rhythm, and they went on to score 235-3 off 53 overs. Dupuy took 2-58, while James Peacock bowled economically to finish with 0-17 off 10 overs.

Peacock and Adam Taylor got the Baldock response off to a good start, but the dismissal of both slowed the run rate until a good knock from Graham Letford got the visitors back on course.

When he departed for 36, a draw looked the most likely outcome, but Dupuy stepped in with a run-a-ball 79, including one enormous six.

Dupuy was run out with eight balls remaining, but Baldock held their nerve and secured the win with four balls to spare, finishing on 238-8.

They are now sixth in the table, ahead of next week's match against Leverstock Green II.

Baldock II will be disappointed to have managed only a draw against Hatch End II in a match they probably should have won.

Hatch End II batted first, scoring 167-7 off 53 overs.

However, in reply Baldock II could muster only 154-8 from 47 overs. Nigel Gazely continued his recent good form with the bat, hitting 44.

On Sunday Baldock fielded a much weakened side against Offley & Stopsley, and paid the price as they were soundly beaten by 169 runs.

Offley looked comfortable during their innings, scoring 230-4 off 40 overs.

One bright spot for Baldock was the performance of Jake Mongston, who took a wicket on his debut.

Despite being 55-3 at one stage, Baldock's batting collapsed and they were all out for just 61.

Stand in skipper Rob Cant top-scored with 29.

Next Sunday Baldock travel to Houghton Town.