New Bradwell close the gap at the top

With title contenders Eaton Bray and Biddenham going head-to-head, with second placed Biddenham coming out on top, New Bradwell had a great chance to close the gap atop the league and they took full advantage.

Kieran Lampard opened the innings with 51, while there also were big scores from Harry Singh (48) and Chris Timms (62) as New Bradwell posted 263-8.

While MK got off to a good start at the top of the order, David Little (3-37) and Chris Wade (4-44) tore through the order to reduce the visitors for 217, thus closing the gap at the top of the league to 39 points.

Elsewhere in Division 1, former captain Richard Bryce was in fine form for champions North Crawley as he took 5-14 against Thurleigh, only to have their game cut short due to rain. With the visitors toiling on 89-8, rain stopped play, putting paid to North Crawley’s hard work, with both sides having to share the points.

Bottom side Aspley Guise (136-8) pulled off the surprise of the week though, beating New City (135).

In Division 2, an unbeaten 88 from Vijay Baburaj helped league leaders Printers (230-5) beat North Crawley 2nds (96).

A disappointed Newport Pagnell lost ground on the leaders as rain cut short their game against Eggington Foresters, who were bowled out for 140 before the downpour.

Old Bradwell (190) had Ross Poulter’s 57 and Matthew Riders’ 5-46 to thank as they beat Aston Clinton (189).

A sensational bowling performance from MK City (62) rescued them from a nailed-on defeat as they bowled out Cranfield for just 22 to win by 40 runs, while Cranfield University (230-7) did a similar number on Bromham (89) to win by 141 runs.

Kamran Mahmood (64 not out) and Zaheer Khan (67 not out) were on top form for Westcroft (214-3) as they beat Shenley Church End (150) in Division 3.

MK Warriors (121-7) closed the gap at the top of Division 4 to 13 points as they beat Wilden (119), though Westcroft 2nds (225-7) dropped to third as they drew with leaders Edlesborough (205-7).

Phil Bennett’s 60 for Olney 2nds (157) helped them to a 32 run win over Elstow (125), while the game between New City 2nds and Caddington was cancelled due to rain

In Division 5, Great Brickhill 3rds (112) lost to Thurleigh (113-4) by six wickets while New Bradwell 2nds (208-4) beat Milton Keynes 2nds (205-8).

In Division 6, Eaton Bray 2nds (70-0) easily beat Aspley Guise 2nds (67) after their batting order collapsed, while Buckland & Aston Clinton beat Newport Pagnell by nine wickets.

In Division 7, Bletchley (25) were thrashed by Wing with Wingrave 2nds (26-0), Great Brickhill 4ths (166) lost by 51 runs to Ivinghoe & Pitstone (217-5) and Westcroft 3rds (138-3) saw off Printers 2nds (134-6) by seven wickets.