Division leaders Chorleywood sunday 2nd XI took on a slightly understrength Berkhamsted in the latest round of the Chess Valley League and won comfortably with an all round team effort to remain top.

Having won the toss and chosen to bat 'wood made an emphatic start, racing to 33 in the first three overs before losing Rob Dunstone for 19. Youngster Tom Smithson then batted very nicely for his 34 before chipping one to square leg when he looked set for his second 50 of the weekend. Opener James Malinowski batted steadily for his third consecutive league 50 and was superbly supported by Matt Hurst (23), Danny Tipping (23), Martin Tyler (27) and Richard Shepherd (34no) to set a difficult target of 238 to win.

The batting effort was then backed up the field where all the 'wood bowlers bowled tightly to bowl Berko out for 1 29 in 38 overs, with only Dave Bennett (54) reaching double figures for the visitors. Skipper Nigel Tyler ended up with 4-22 from his 10 overs and all rounder Richard Shepherd, fast becoming the new Paul Collingwood, took 2-6 and held 3 catches to seal the win for the home side.