Two fine batting performances propelled Harpenden to their first Herts League victory of the season as they beat West Herts by 65 runs on Saturday.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, the home side’s decision paid impressive rewards as they made 289 for three off their 50 overs.

Harpenden then did what was necessary in the field, restricting the Stags to 224 for nine in reply as the win moved the victors up to sixth in the Premier Division table.

The hosts suffered an early blow when Tom Beasley fell for a first-ball duck with just four runs on the board, but this brought Jake Pankhurst to the middle to partner captain Nick Lamb and the pair were to take complete control.

The duo put on 190 for the second wicket, with Pankhurst hitting 14 fours before he was trapped leg before wicket by Ian Gurney seven runs shy of his century.

Lamb was to remain unmoved though, making an undefeated 117 from 143 deliveries as he and Neil Dexter put on 93 for the third wicket before the latter fell for a quick-fire 56 from 48 balls.

West Herts made a solid start in reply, putting on 48 for the first wicket before Alastair Lewis (19) and Craig Sanders (0) both fell in quick succession to Aaron Burrage (2-41).

Simon Walker (52) and Richard Mason (20) added 43 for the third wicket, before William Downes (2-31) and Arthur Garrett (1-25) turned the screw, taking three wickets for seven runs to leave the Stags in trouble at 100-5.

Led by Joe Warren’s unbeaten 57, lower-order resistance enabled West Herts to bat out the remainder of their overs, but they were never close to challenging for the victory.

It was not such a good day for Harpenden Seconds though, as they fell to a heavy 138-run defeat at the hands of Broxbourne in Division One.

Having lost the toss, Harpenden were made to toil in the field as Gagan Dissanayake (105) and Mohammad Hammad Ahmed (113 not out) dominated from the outset as they compiled a 191-run stand for the opening wicket.

John Card (1-41) and Nick Reeves (1-54) were the only bowlers to enjoy success as the home side ultimately closed on 285 for two.

Broxbourne maintained their dominance with the ball and the writing was on the wall for their opponents once they had been reduced to 79 for five, with opener Reeves (26) and Oliver Tuck (25) the only batsmen to score more than 20 in the reply.

Harpenden were ultimately dismissed for 147 to leave them fourth in the table.

London Colney also endured a disappointing day in Division Five A, losing by just four runs to North Mymms Seconds.

Colney got off to a solid start with Carl Frame (3-38) bowling accurately and Andy Cole (2-43) producing a fiery spell. It wasn’t long before their efforts were rewarded as Mymms were reduced to 40 for four.

It could have been worse for Mymms but a few lapses in concentration allowed a partnership to develop, but they were eventually dismissed for 181 after Simon Fretter had bowled tightly to finish with two for 25.

Colney’s innings started watchfully but they were to lose wickets regularly to leave them on 83 for four at drinks.

A partnership between Cole and Carl Frame then looked to have won the game, but the latter was unlucky to be run out backing up and the loss of Cole in the next over looked to swing the advantage back in Mymms’ favour.

John Pinkham played a fine innings, first with Uzman Zaman and then Simon Fretter. Unfortunately for Colney though, Pinkham was left stranded on 24 not out when his teammate was caught behind with his side needing just four runs with eight balls to spare as they fell to a narrow defeat.