CONNOR CHURCH hit a magnificent 97 and stand-in skipper Ben Parkes 75 as LGCC 2nd XI came within four runs of chasing down 246 at The Green.

Visitors Old Cholmeleians posted what proved a winning score, with Levy 2s falling to defeat but collecting 18 bonus points which would see them top the Saracens Herts Premier Cricket League Division 5A table after promotion rivals Parkfield & Headstone and West Herts II - the latter next week's opposition - shared a draw.

Opener Parkes carried the innings' momentum with 75, then Church added a stylish and composed 97 before sportingly walking when feathering an inside edge to the wicketkeeper within seven runs of victory.

Earlier in the day, Dom Clarke kept up his fine form with the ball; his 15-over 4-53 helping pull back OCs from posting what at one point threatened to be a 300-plus target.

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GREEN 1st XI were denied victory at Shenley Village thanks to last-ball agony.

Sam Mazurek and Harry Sturgess were left needing a single off the game's final delivery, but a run-out ensure leaving the scores level on 145. Levy were only eight wickets down so they took 11 bonus points - scant reward for a great team display - from this same-scores draw.

Back from injury, Adam Thomas took 3-32 from his 15 overs while Sol Tomlinson's left-arm spin also earned him three dismissals.

The pick of the performances with the bat came from 2s skipper Jamie Wallis, who made 62 in a 90-plus stand with captain Dayle Littlejohn as the team came within an ace of a superb 30 points.

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IN the day's only other game, Chrishan Casey hit a maiden Herts League half-century as Levy Green 3s posted 114 all out at high-flying Northchurch II.

His 55 went largely unsupported however, and the hosts knocked off the runs for the loss of just three wickets.