PLAYING host to neighbours Westmill at Norfolk Road, a win was essential for Buntingford seconds. Leading the Herts & Essex League Division 6, with Hatfield and Harlow Town seconds in hot pursuit, Buntingford made a great start with Martin Coote and John

PLAYING host to neighbours Westmill at Norfolk Road, a win was essential for Buntingford seconds.

Leading the Herts & Essex League Division 6, with Hatfield and Harlow Town seconds in hot pursuit, Buntingford made a great start with Martin Coote and John Clements sharing a century partnership after 20 overs.

Clements was first out for 72 with the score on 119, with Coote helping the score along to 141 before he was out for 50.

Scott Nash and Kev Poulton then took up the baton.

With Nash hitting balls to all parts of the boundary and Poulton chipping in with some clever shots, they took the score to 225 before Poulton went for 17.

However, Nash hit 12 fours and four sixes to reach another brilliant century with 103, and see his side to 281-5.

In reply, Westmill made the worst possible start, when Jones was bowled by Neil Atkins for a duck. Then with the score on nine, Riggs also went, thanks to a brilliant one-handed catch by Jude Preetam Alex.

Martin Beedell (25) and Adam Amos took the score to 50, before Beedell was also sent packing with a splendid catch - with Neil Gilbey reacting quickly.

Amos batted well, and was eventually dismissed for a fine 56, as Westmill were all out for 139, a win that keeps Buntingford in charge at the top.