NPL Lensbury travelled to league leaders Harefield and comprehensively outplayed them to gain the better of a draw despite having several regulars unavailable.

Batting first, NPL Lensbury were indebted to Chris Churchman's 96 and skipper Mark Champion's 41. Although the innings fell away, 217 represented a competitive score.

In response, Harefield were held back by two terrific spells from Ian Broady and Dave Andrews who each bowled 15 overs off the reel. Broady took three wickets through consistent accuracy and hostility, while Andrews bowled equally well without the reward of any wickets.

Harefield fell behind the required run rate and, with Bowles and Hewatt maintaining a tight line, the home side finished with 162-6. The draw leaves NPL Lensbury in fourth place.

NPL Lensbury 217 (C. Churchman 96, Champion 41, Hewatt 20)

Harefield 162-6 (McLeod 85 n.o.; Broady 3-51, Bowles 3-31).

Lensbury's 2nd X1 fell well short of OMTs' total of 185, being shot out for 69. Ironically, they had reduced OMTs to 70-6, with Richard Thackray finishing with four wickets.

The 3rd X1 had an exciting draw against Chiswick and Latymer, coming within four runs of the 217 they were chasing as skipper Tom Gardiner hit 92. Lensbury 4th XI beat Hounslow in a friendly.

On Sunday, Lensbury hosted their annual six-a-side tournament featuring local sides. The final saw Hampton Wick Royal successfully chase Hampton Hill's 114, while Hampton School beat NPL Lensburnri the third place play-off.

July 8, 2002 16:30