Biddenham’s poor August form in the Premier Division of the Bedfordshire County Cricket League was compounded by a local derby defeat on Sunday (24 August) as Queens Park Westfield confirmed their spot for next season with a 103-run win.
Biddenham, who at one point were in second and potentially challenging eventual title winners Luton Town and Indians, have since dropped to fourth after four straight losses, although seven league wins constitutes an impressive first season at the top table.
Allen Park, historically a tricky batting pitch, played host to the bank holiday weekend local derby, and Queens Park set about posting a competitive total of 232/8 with opener, Amaan Mehmood top scoring with 73.
Amarpal Singh and Sam Richardson both took a brace of wickets in response for the visitors, but were once again let down by the batting order, as Biddenham were skittled for just 129.
Tajvir Gill top scored with 31, but regular wickets were a consistent problem as Ijaz Ahmed led the way with 4-29 to guide Westfield to certain safety and fifth place, one place behind Sunday’s opponents.
Luton Town and Indians secured their first Premier Division title since 2014 with a 55-run victory at Dunstable Town; Fayaz Homyoon dominating with an unbeaten 136 to jump to third in the League’s leading run scorer charts.
Ickwell stumble but still on course
Ickwell’s 1st XI stumbled in their pursuit of the Division One title as they were convincingly beaten by 124 runs at Harlington, but are still in pole position for an automatic return to the top tier as they lead Bedford by 32 points with two games remaining.
Neither of Bedford’s sides were in action on Sunday, while Ampthill continued their challenge for a play-off spot with a 61-run victory over New Bradwell. Bedford face Harlington next weekend, before hosting Eggington Foresters on the final weekend.
Queen’s Park Westfield 2nd XI won the battle of the top two in Division Two with a 72-run victory over Harrold, confirming their return to Division One in the process.
Hamayun Shahid (67) led from the front as Queens Park posted a respectable 206/8 at Harrold, and the home chase started well enough, but Harrold quickly collapsed from 48/0 to 134 all out as they surrendered a promotion spot to drop to third.
Elstow are still in the midst of a relegation battle in the same division, and almost pulled off the ultimate smash and grab at Lutonian’s 2nd XI, but ultimately fell by two wickets defending 115.
It could have been far worse for Elstow as they recovered from 0/3 and 8/4 thanks to late runs from number nine, Ben Lewis (39), while Zack Jepp’s five-wicket haul took them close.
They fell ultimately short, staying just 16 points ahead of eighth-placed, Preston.
In a similar position are Queens Park Westfield 3rd XI in Division Three, although they do have a 31-point buffer from the relegation zone despite another comfortable loss against promotion-chasing, Hitchin.
Queens Park were bundled out for 121, despite an unbeaten 59 for Rameez Ali but Hitchin blitzed their way to the target inside 14 overs as Matthew Maylin smashed an unbeaten 62 from just 32 balls.
Bedford in pole position without playing
Bedford 2nd XI are still top of the table in Division Four despite not playing on Sunday, as Ickwell 2nd XI lost handsomely against Godmanchester Town on a day with some obscenely low scores.
Ickwell were skittled for just 54 chasing Godmanchester’s 133; an innings notable for Athreya Chengad’s 4-21, but only one batter reached double figures in the reply as Ickwell were demolished by Brad Goss (5-5) and Will Blatch (4-19).
Ickwell’s score was not the lowest in the division however, as Clifton were blown away for just 49 at Rising Stars Milton Keynes – who won by nine wickets – while Cranfield University miracuolously defended 97 at Flitwick 3rd XI to win by 13 runs.
Division Six was the casualty of the bank holiday weekend, as mid-table Harrold conceded to Queens Park Westfield 4th XI, a side just two points off automatic promotion, behind Bletchley, who lost by two wickets against Olney Town.
Elstow 2nd XI benefited from a Blunham concession in the bottom division, while Kempston Hammers in Division Five will be joining them as they also conceded, although have been a long time relegated.
