IT was a bad day at the office as both Buntingford teams slumped to defeat. The firsts saw their slim hopes of retaining the Herts and Essex League Division 1 title evaporate as they lost away to Takeley. Buntingford made a solid start at 92-2 after 26

IT was a bad day at the office as both Buntingford teams slumped to defeat.

The firsts saw their slim hopes of retaining the Herts and Essex League Division 1 title evaporate as they lost away to Takeley.

Buntingford made a solid start at 92-2 after 26 overs. But they were bowled out for 155, opener Richard Pearce top scoring with 44.

Despite the tight bowling of Chambers (10-2-26-0) and Pearce (6-3-16-0), Takeley's top five batsmen all scored well. As a result the home side reached their target for the loss of just three wickets.

And having occupied top spot for the majority of the season, Buntingford seconds slipped to second with defeat against Harlow Town seconds.

Against some tight and accurate bowling, Buntingford were all out for 145-9.

Wikus Van Walt was the pick of the batsmen with a fine undefeated half century.

Harlow lost both openers for one after three overs. But Elston and Lall pulled it around with a stand of 90.

Harlow got home by six wickets with 10 overs left.

Peter Townsend of Buntingford said: "Hatfield Heath, Buntingford, and Harlow Town are all in with a chance of taking the two promotion places.

"This weekend's game against the new leaders Hatfield, will be crucial."

- On Sunday Buntingford entertained a team from the Buntingford Sports and Social Club - the team's main sponsors - in a 30-over friendly.

Buntingford posted 198-5, Stuart Lawrence top scoring with 59 not out.

Then 14-year-old Colt Ollie Townsend took a magnificent four wicket haul - including a hat-trick, and he social club were 140 all out.