HATLEY & Arrington battled to victory in a typically close-fought match against visitors Steeple Morden on Sunday. Batting first, Morden struggled to make early headway in the face of a tight 14-over opening bowling spell by seamer Matt Knibbs (1-9) and o

HATLEY & Arrington battled to victory in a typically close-fought match against visitors Steeple Morden on Sunday.

Batting first, Morden struggled to make early headway in the face of a tight 14-over opening bowling spell by seamer Matt Knibbs (1-9) and off-spinner Steve Hooley (1-13).

Bob Dix (22) and John Harper (36) then injected some momentum into the Morden innings before Hatley seamer Nick Lenton rolled back the years to destroy their middle order with a burst of 5-46.

Andy Jakes then chipped in with 2-15 to help dismiss the visitors for 138.

Hatley also struggled early on, losing both openers before Matt Steele (37) and Phil Hastings (24) put them back on course.

The home side then suffered a middle order collapse before the increasingly consistent Luke Knibbs hit a brisk 22 not out to see them to victory with three wickets in hand.

Mitchell Cooper, Jack Tidey and Andy Wilson took two wickets each for the visitors.

This Sunday, Hatley are due to travel to Longstowe for what promises to be another hard-fought derby as the home side seek revenge for a comprehensive defeat earlier in the season.

Sunday afternoon also saw Cokenach travel to Bishop's Stortford to face Hockerill in their annual friendly match.

Hockerill batted first in a time game and racked up a solid 217-4 before declaring.

Barry Francis led the way for the hosts with 95 not out, including a massive six which flew through an open car window as the car was driving past!

There were also significant scores from S Foster (53) and A Tinsley (68).

Cokenach began their chase shakily wobbling to 36-3, losing Peter Clarke for 13 together with Paul Cresswell and Al Thompson for three each.

However Adam Wardell joined Matt Stevens at the crease and put on 124 for the next wicket.

Wardell was finally out for 22 with the score on 160-4. Matt Stevens went to score 111 for the second time this season.

Liam Botten was run out for 20 and Becky Thompson was stumped on the last ball, one ball away from tying the game.

Cokenach finally ended on 216 all out.

For Hockerill, A Layer and A Chalice ended up with 4-24 and 3-30 respectively in an entertaining game.