IT was back to the 80s for the biggest hits of the weekend - with Chris Saxby's 85 and Nick Merrett's unbeaten 82 both proving equally crucial during wins for LGCC 3rd XI and 1st XI respectively.

Saxby's knock, supported by 40 from skipper Steve May, saw the 3s post an imposing 260-7 at Parmiter's School in a must-win game against rock-bottom Cockfosters III.

The target proved well beyond the visitor's reach, not least courtesy of a fine spell of bowling from 14-year-old Hasan Ali - who returned figures of 5-14 from his eight overs.

There were two wickets apiece for May and Brett Baney as Cockfosters were dismissed nearly 100 runs short, earning Neil Fleming's 3rd XI a precious 30 points in Saracens Herts Premier Cricket League Division 9B.

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GREEN 1s lie just seven points from Division One safety after a scintillating run chase finished off with gusto by Nick Merrett.

Kyle Claxton's 44 not out proved a key anchor for the innings after openers Lewis Koch (45) and Harry Blagden (59) had got Levy's total moving in pursuit of Old Albanian's 252-6.

Earlier in the afternoon, Majid Khan bowled a superb 10-over spell to take 3-27 while Imran Iqbal also picked up a couple of OA dismissals.

The result leaves Green seventh in Division One with Northwood, bottom side Hitchin and second-bottom Knebworth Park - their hosts on Saturday - below them. Seven bonus points as a minimum will see Dayle Littlejohn's team retain the status promotion earned them last summer.

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FOR the 2nd XI, it's now a case of winning and hoping after they fell to a convincing defeat at Division 5A leaders Parkfield & Headstone.

Electing to bat first, Richard Walker's 38 was the only serious act of defiance as Green 2s were dismissed for a meagre 115.

P&H lost only three wickets as they chased down the target with ease, leaving Levy 2nd XI in third place behind West Herts II in second.

Green must now beat Preston II on the season's final day and hope for an unlikely West Herts defeat at relegation-threatened Bentley Heath.

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AUGUST holidays have once again meant challenges in fielding four teams for LGCC, however the 4th XI will be firmly back in action for the Herts League's final round of matches this Saturday, September 3. All games will start at 12.30pm - with exact fixture details available elsewhere on this website.