A COMFORTABLE win for Huntingdon over Old Eastonians on Saturday set the stage for a clash against Ickwell next week which could decide the destination of the Hunts Division One title. Saturday s victory included a spectacular hat-trick from fast bowler N

A COMFORTABLE win for Huntingdon over Old Eastonians on Saturday set the stage for a clash against Ickwell next week which could decide the destination of the Hunts Division One title.

Saturday's victory included a spectacular hat-trick from fast bowler Nomi Khan. Batting first Huntingdon made 185-9 in 45 overs with skipper Roger Black (29) top-scoring. In reply Old Eastonians were rushed out for 100 thanks to Nomi Khan's (4-29) bowling blitz.

Huntingdon II could double up celebrations at the club after they won at a canter against Brampton, nearly sealing second in the league. Brampton could only reach 106 all out even though Andy Canham (41) did his bit to run up a competitive total. Freddie Khan (65*) led the charge to the points in just 16 overs.

FENSTANTON

ANOTHER three-wicket haul from July's player of the month Mike Piaggesi could not save Fenstanton from defeat against March III.

Fenstanton's batsmen had been nailed down by the March attack to 99-9, leaving their bowling counterparts with little room for error. Will Webster (28) did his best to boost the score, but could not lift it into three figures.

Piaggesi (3-50) and Mike Taylor (3-21) worked through the March batsmen, but neither could prevent March reaching 101-6.

WARBOYS

A WIN over Wisbech II on Saturday carried Warboys to within touching distance of Division One cricket next season.

The Witches lead from Waresley with a game in hand.

Wisbech batted first and ran up a respectable 202-8 with Witches bowler Steve Hill (2-38) leading the attack. Hill (56) then cast his spell over the Wisbech bowlers, and the points were secured in 38 overs.

Warboys II also took a big step towards the title in Hunts Four with victory over Hampton. Hampton batted first and closed on 183-8 but the target was within reach for the Witches, who zipped in at 185-7 with four overs to spare.

Warboys III faced a sporting Wimblington side, and had Rob Whitfield (49) and Ian Simpson (44) to thank for an innings that totaled 191-8. Wimblington struggled to handle the Witches' bowlers and were unfortunate to fall for just 66 all out.

RAMSEY

TUCKER I title hopefuls Ramsey leapt back to the top of the table with a comprehensive win against March.

Last week's defeat to title rivals Wisbech seemed to be forgotten as Ramsey batted first and made a patient 160-7. On a helpful bowling wicket, Matt Slack (60*) and Grant DeKock (56) pieced together a good total.

March had few answers to the Ramsey twin attack of David Carlaw (5-30) and Ali Crothers (4-18), and wilted to 100 all out.

Ramsey II looked to have batted themselves to a winning position against Ufford when their innings closed on 223-3. Pete Youds (119) was in great form and John Wells (54) gave him good support.

Ufford had other ideas, however, and after tea they set about the chase in fine fashion. Pete Taylor (77) top-scored for Ufford as they reached 224-5 with five balls to spare.

Ramsey III bowled out Hilton for 123, with Peter Sarkies (38) taking the batting plaudits. Ed Smith (67*) made sure of the points as Ramsey knocked 124-5.

In Rutland Three, Nassington took a grip of the match by batting first. Ali Crothers (3-39) lacked a partner and Nassington cruised to 207-7. Mark Edwards (25) and James Markland (24) battled in reply but Ramsey could only total 110 all out

ST IVES

ST IVES came back at Fulbourn after the visitors had reached 100 without loss. Kevin Sequenza and Ollie King both snapped up three wickets leaving Ives to chase down 203 to win.

Reuan Williams (53) and Steve Smith (34) made a good start and Bevis Moynan (50*) was supported down the order as St Ives took the points.

St Ives III took the bragging rights in the local derby against Somersham II after Steve Baxter (60) had laid the foundations for a St Ives total of 191. Somersham had little to offer with only Colin Godfrey (45) standing firm, and Ives won by 59 runs.

St Ives IV could not chase down Burwell's impressive total of 208. Mel Wood (48) and Dom Stevens (47) made Burwell work for their wickets but Ives fell to 161 all out.

SOMERSHAM

AFTER electing to bat first, Somersham found themselves in trouble at 7-2 against NCI II but Sam Rippington (81*) and Joe Notarnicola (43) dragged the innings to a respectable 181-5 at close.

NCI's reply never really got going as the Somersham bowlers kept them on the back foot, and Pete Coleman (4-27) collected healthy figures. The result moves Somersham into second spot in Cambs Junior 1A with just two games remaining.

Doddington batted first in the Fenland Trophy on Sunday and Somersham were indebted to young bowler Jack Moulds (4-23) as Doddington were shot out for 122. Somersham struggled with the tenacity of the Doddington bowlers who produced accurate spells to bundle out a dispirited batting line up for 71.

ALCONBURY

ALCONBURY took a five-wicket win at neighbours Sawtry.

Sawtry batted first but poor shot selection and decent bowling accounted for their batsmen who could only muster a meagre 129, despite Paul Bircham's (46) efforts.

Alconbury made sure they kept the score moving after the shock of Brian Chapman's three early wickets. They reached 130-5 with Alex Blake (53*) ensuring a win with 10 overs in hand, and leaving Sawtry sinking to second-bottom in the division.

Alconbury II kept in touch with the league leaders in Division Four with a sound win on the Common against St Neots. Batting first, the visitors accrued 241-4 with Martin Ruff (60*), Steve Alexander (50) and a debut fifty for Dexter Ewing (55*). Ewing (4-17) then picked up the ball to destroy the St Neots line up as they reached a disappointing 88 all out.

NEEDINGWORTH

BATTING first, Needingworth made the best of a good home wicket to record 264-5 against Milton. Steve Mitcham (68) and Josh Stimson (28) got them away to a flyer and Russ Kirk (52) and Dan Sherlock (48) continued the assault on the bowling attack.

Milton never recovered from the shock and looking totally dispirited they collapsed to 97 all out, as Jack Prime (4-24) wreaked havoc.

COUNTY MATCHES

HUNTINGDONSHIRE U15 won through to the U15 Finals against Leicestershire or Shropshire after a comprehensive win against Wiltshire.

Hunts looked set for a big score at 50 without loss but wickets began to tumble and it took a sound seventh wicket stand of 58 between Joe Dawborn (34) of Eaton Socon and Dan Malem (21) of Ramsey to steady a rocking ship and carry the total to 201. Wiltshire looked set to cruise home as they reached 100-2 before the half way stage of their reply. But the introduction of Warboys' Jack Skidmore (5-38) precipitated a collapse and Wiltshire wilted to 154 all out.

Hunts U19 team rounded off the season in style with a well earned 85-run win against Norfolk. Alex Mitchell (32) and Ben Clement (48) started Hunts well and Franc Marais (56) and debutant James Biddle (37) carried the total to 226 all out.

Ali Crothers quickly dispatched the first two Norfolk batsmen, and Adam Rendall (4-90) mopped up as Norfolk's reply stalled on 141 all out.

EATON SOCON

EATON Socon displayed the fighting spirit that could yet save their Tucker league status in an eight-wicket win over Barnack on Saturday.

Batsman Matt Childerley called for the team to step up again next week against Weston Colville if the team is to drag itself out of the relegation zone in Tucker Two.

"The game against Barnack was a must-win for us, and everyone did their bit for the points. But we need to repeat the performance for our last four games if we are to avoid the drop."

Batting first, a weak Barnack side was completely routed for 94, to leave the points well within reach of the Socon batsman.

They were hit by the early loss of Barry Nicklin (3) but regained control as Barry Cavilla (33) put the bowling attack to the sword. Terry Day (21*) made sure one end was bolted down and Childerley (29*) joined him to see Socon to the points.

In Rutland Four on Sunday, East Carlton made a modest 137 all out after good bowling from Socon's Jack Sene (3-20) and Ben Reedman (4-21). Socon sank to 25-4 before David Humphrey (56*) came to the rescue with a sound knock to take Socon home by three wickets.

Socon II made a remarkable recovery to beat Oakham II, who had scored 119-9 despite Adam Newman's (4-18) form with the ball. Socon were reduced to 81-8 before Chris Dickerson (31*) found willing partners in Tommy Burns and Newman to drag Socon home at 122-9.