A FIVE-WICKET haul from Alistair Jones helped Baldock to an eight-wicket win over Luton Town and Indian Seconds last Saturday. Jones and opening partner James Peacock terrorised the Luton batsmen from the off, reducing them to 68-6. Tim Dean was also in

A FIVE-WICKET haul from Alistair Jones helped Baldock to an eight-wicket win over Luton Town and Indian Seconds last Saturday.

Jones and opening partner James Peacock terrorised the Luton batsmen from the off, reducing them to 68-6.

Tim Dean was also in fine form with the ball, and he took three wickets without conceding a run in a devastating spell towards the end of the innings.

Graham Letford picked up the final wicket as Luton struggled to 76 all out.

Although Baldock lost two early wickets, they never looked in any real trouble and reached 77-2 in 28.2 overs.

Andy Payne (16 not out), and Robert Peacock (31 not out) both displayed cool heads to help their team reach their target.

The win leaves Baldock in eighth place in the league, with an outside chance of promotion.

They host St Albans West Indians this weekend.

Baldock seconds could make it a promotion double, after they won a tight match against Datchworth seconds by two wickets.

Visitors Datchworth batted first and posted a total of 157-9 off 53 overs.

Phil Lucy took five wickets to take his tally for the season to 40.

In reply, Baldock scored 158-8 in 41 overs, thanks largely to a score of 61 by Julian Muir.

Baldock are now sixth in the table, and play Greenwood Park in their next match.

It was not such good news for Baldock's Sunday team, who face probable relegation after losing their final league match against Reed.

Reed batted first, and although wickets fell regularly, a couple of good knocks, including 51 from Robertson, helped them to 144-9 from 40 overs. Ben Diplock was the pick of the bowlers for Baldock, with 4-24, while Logan Newman (2/16), and Rob Peacock (2/37) also impressed.

The Baldock innings never really got going, despite an attractive 23 from Peacock.

At 78-8, the match looked as good as over, but a good partnership of 40 between Alistair Jones (26 not out) and bowling hero Diplock (16) gave the hosts hope.

But Robertson had the final word, taking two wickets in four balls, leaving Baldock on 120 all out from 38 overs.

Baldock are out of the drop zone for now, but must hope that Great Gaddesden lose their last match this weekend if they are to stave off demotion.