BUNTINGFORD suffered their second defeat of the season after a bad start ended any hopes of beating Theydon Bois. They were in deep trouble early on, and as a result of some poor shot selection and inspired bowling, they were reeling at 40-4 after 13 ove

BUNTINGFORD suffered their second defeat of the season after a bad start ended any hopes of beating Theydon Bois.

They were in deep trouble early on, and as a result of some poor shot selection and inspired bowling, they were reeling at 40-4 after 13 overs.

Captain Barry Walker entered the fray to steady the ship and after crafting a fine unbeaten 83, he managed to guide Buntingford to a respectable 195-5, while using up all of their allotted 45 overs.

In reply, Theydon got off to an equally awful start, and lost two quick wickets and looked in real trouble at 21-3.

However, Dave Gooch came to the crease and looking confident and assured, he hit a tremendous 118 to help Theydon reach their target of 196, with Mcllwaine (36) also getting in on the action.

Ricky Pearce (10-0-19-0) and Chris Chambers (10-1-46-2) were the pick of the Buntingford bowlers, on a day the team were left pondering what might have been.

BUNTINGFORD seconds made it three wins out of three at Norfolk Road, seeing off their league opponents Birchanger.

By losing Steve Baker for a duck, and a number of quick wickets, the hosts were soon left in the perilous position of 60-5 after 25 overs.

Captain Colin Chambers made amends and joined Hugh McNamara in a stand of 58, before Chambers went for 34.

McNamara (33) was out soon after, leaving Preetam Alex to pick up the pieces with 13.

Buntingford managed to use up their 45 overs and finish on a fairly average 141-8.

Birchanger must have had high hopes of chasing down this score, and Buntingford knew that they had to play some good cricket to restrict them.

In this respect, Buntingford made a dream start, with Chris Goldie running out opener Sawyers with a brilliant direct hit.

Still needing to restrict Birchanger to three runs per over, Neil Atkins (10-7-5-2) entered the game and limited the visitors batsmen to very few opportunities.

Hampson and Boggas did stage a late recovery for Birchanger, by putting on 32 runs to see them on to 113.

With the game on a knife-edge, Hampson (26) was caught by Chambers off the bowling of Alex, and with the score on 124, Alex then cleaned bowled Boggas (23) to give victory to Buntingford by the small margin of 17 runs.