Elstree 216-7

Southgate Compton 174-9

Hertfordshire Division Three

Dave Smith and Andy Green both hit half centuries as Elstree picked up 19 valuable points in a drawn match with Southgate.

The result leaves Elstree 58 points clear of the relegation zone with just two games to go, and virtually guarantees their survival in the division.

Runs flowed freely for Elstree, who were asked to bat on a good strip.

Openers Gary Watson and Dave Smith gave their side a solid start with some careful shot selection. It was Smith who impressed the most, and he went on to hit a memorable score of 68 before being caught.

His partnership with Andy Green, who joined him after the dismissal of Watson (17), was the backbone of the Elstree innings which finished on 216 in the 51st over.

In-form Green, who hit 49 in his previous match, hit all parts of the ground on the way to his hefty total.

Brother and team skipper, Mike, added a valuable 14 near the end. Dave Buckle hit 11.

Elstree were on top throughout Southgate's innings only a stubborn innings from their No8 batsman denied Elstree the win. All four bowlers claimed wickets, with the Green brothers in particularly awesome mood. Andy (3 for 42) and Mike (3 for 41) led the way. They were ably assisted by debutante Frank Daniel (1 for 21) and Graham Cane (2 for 66).

ELSTREE: Watson, Smith, A Green, Cadogan, Buckle, M Green, Daniel, Ward, Weston, Cane, N Green.

Elstree's 2nd XI, who are also fighting a relegation battle, had Bob Small to thanks for claiming a six-run win over Southgate. The veteran campaigner top scored with 32 as his side reached 113 from 48 overs. And then he took six wickets to help reduce the opposition to 107. The win leaves Elstree two points adrift of bottom spot.

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