An inspired performance from Ben Clements led Harpenden to a comprehensive 90-run win over Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday.

The Harps batsmen was immovable at the crease as he smashed a near run a ball 133 not out to guide his side to 278-7 from their 50 overs.

His knock featured 19 fours and two sixes and saw Clements lift Harps after coming to the middle with the score on 29-2.

While many around Clements failed - six of Harpenden’s number made less than 20 - he did receive support further down the order to boost Harps’ final total.

Alex Axon and Scott Galloway scored 31 and 43 from seven and eight respectively.

The imposing Harpenden score meant victory was always likely, providing the visitors kept control in the field.

They did just that and had Stortford all out for 188 after 42 overs.

Only Alex Palmer provided any sort of real resilience to the Harpenden attack as he scored 59.

His innings was not enough for Stortford, however, as Harpenden eased to victory, thanks in no small part to Ben Frazer’s 4-37.

There were also wickets for Nick Lamb (2-29), George Garrett (1-23) and Joe Regan (1-39) before Clements added to his batting display with a wicket to finish with (1-8).

Elsewhere, St Albans City Thirds went down to a heavy seven-wicket loss against Priton.

After winning the toss St Albans opted to bat first, a decision they would live to regret as they were skittled out for just 70.

A scarcity of runs throughout their order saw opener Andy Rudlin top score with just 15 runs as no other St Albans man made double figures.

Karl Gudgin was City’s tormentor in chief, finishing the day with 4-14, while Jake Howard (3-6) also enjoyed a productive day.

The Priton response was not without its issues and they lost five wickets before getting over the line in the 20th over.