LITTLE Bardfield emerged victors by 60 runs in a rain-affected match against Sudbury seconds in the Two Counties League Division Three.

Eddie Hitchcock hit 25 off as many balls before being caught. Three other batsmen met with a similar fate, before Peter Gray, at number seven, top-scored with 52, bringing Bardfield’s total to 231-7.

After an extended tea-break due to rain, Sudbury’s openers put on 37 before Tom Graham took a sharp catch to dismiss Oakes.

Will Slemmings, returning from university, took the wicket of Colin Walters (42) with a fine slip-catch from Daryl Hymas. Slemmings ended with figures of 5-45, aided by Steve Hudspith (4-70).

* LITTLE Bardfield seconds made the short journey to Hockerill, Bishop’s Stortford, and came away with a 43-run victory.

Electing to bat, Bardfield opener Paul Sheridan played steadily for his 48 runs before being adjudged LBW. Joe Owen supported with 33, and Paul Morris ended on 26 not out. Top-scorer and captain Peter Bray hit 12 boundaries during his innings of 69 off just 43 balls as Bardfield ended on 226 for 8.

Simon Cooper (59) was the only Hockerill man to get a start, and with two wickets apiece for Owen, Charlie Holmes and Ollie Morris, the home side were out for 173.