BUNTINGFORD S warm-up for their first season in the top division of the Herts & Essex League continued with a win and a tie over the weekend. Saturday saw them welcome newly-formed Royston Polaris to Norfolk Road, and the visitors were given a torrid time

BUNTINGFORD'S warm-up for their first season in the top division of the Herts & Essex League continued with a win and a tie over the weekend.

Saturday saw them welcome newly-formed Royston Polaris to Norfolk Road, and the visitors were given a torrid time as they were beaten by 236 runs - despite fielding 12 players.

Batting first, the home side put on 95 for the first wicket as John Clements (43) and McNamara (67) put Buntingford in charge.

Neil Dookeran followed with 39 before Dixon hit a quickfire 65 off 28 balls in 40 minutes as Buntingford posted a formidable 258-7 in 35 overs.

Royston CC legend Steve Gwynne had the most economical bowling figures, finishing with 2-28 off six overs, with S Ingrey (2-45) and J Ranoe (1-33) collecting the other wickets.

Reaching that target was never going to be easy, but no one could have predicted the speed at which the visitors, who were allowed to field 12 players, would be dismissed.

Both Buntingford bowlers finished with exceptional figures, Steve Tokely with 7-11 in six overs and Dan Duff taking 4-7 in 6.3 as their side strolled to victory, with only four of the visitors troubling the scorers.

The following day saw a much more competitive game at Norfolk Road as the home side and Kimpton fought out a rare tie.

With their first seven batsmen contributing with double-figure scores, lead by Croft (39) and Long (36 not out), the visitors reached a respectable 186-7 off their 40 overs.

C Goldie (2-16) was the Buntingford bowler to finished with more than a single wicket.

Buntingford started steadily and reached 53-3 after 16 overs, but as they tried to increase the run-rate they slipped to 107-7.

When skipper Richard Pearce went in to bat, they needed 88 off the last 12 overs, and he proceeded to strike seven fours and three sixes to give his side a fighting chance.

With a ball remaining, Buntingford needed three runs, but Pearce could only manage two to leave the game tied.

Pearce finished with the fine figures of 75 not out from 35 balls in 38 minutes.