Knebworth Park enjoy winning start in Herts Cricket League

Playing at home, they picked up a 97-run win in Division Two B on almost a perfect day.

From winning the toss and electing to bat, everything they touched paid off.

A fine all-round performance by Charlie Randall paved the way, his 49 giving Knebworth the base to go on and make 266-7, and his opening bowling stifled the visitors response and gave him 1-18 from his 10 overs.

He wasn't the only one to shine though, new player Liam Mitchell struck a fine 82 after a patient start, part of a stand of 78 with Randall, and he then added 98 with Kobie Richmond (61*).

The visitors then had a nightmare start with Randall and Gareth Jones dismissing both openers for nought. 

They recovered through Samir Mohammed (44) before a run-out by young debutant Joe Hibbins and 3-30 from Dave Roberts left them on 85-5.

To their credit, there was another rally and then looked to be scoring freely through Jack Wilkes-Green (42) and Ali Miau (33) until Kobie Richmond joined the bowling attack with dad Alex (2-49). 

Kobie ended up with 2-13 and Roberts quickly took out the remaining batsmen as Holtwhites were bowled out for 169. 

Knebworth's second and third teams had easy wins too, the twos beating Southgate Adelaide by 59 runs. 

Mark Woods (30), James Hobbs (67) and James Bedford (37) got them to 178 all out before Hobbs (2-16), Jack Randall (3-18) and Harry Byron (4-44), on his debut for the club, bowled the hosts out for 119. 

Ryan Hassall smashed 101, with dad Adam getting 33, as the thirds won by 10 wickets against WGC fourths.

Ian Hildenbrandt's 3-22 was supported by young spinners Drew Myles (2-25) and Finn Hobbs (2-22) as Welwyn were held at 154-9.

A youthful fourth team with several making their debuts in senior cricket lost narrowly by 16 runs at Datchworth fourths.

After restricting the hosts to 150 for 2 they were then bowled out for 134, Ethan Murrell top scoring with 35 while the experienced Ian Pickering got 16.