Defeat keeps Dunstable in the drop zone

The visitors had been set 205 to win after Luton scored 204-7 from 60 overs, as Ian Gilbert, Jack Kilduff and John Barry all took two wickets each.

However, Sam Cherry’s 28 and Brad Matthews’ 20 were powerless to stop Dunstable dismissed 117 runs short.

Awais Khan maintained his recent form as his four wickets helped the IIs to a two-wicket win against Harpenden IIIs and maintain their three-point gap at the top of Division Four B.

Khan took four wickets, as did Rob Simpkins, bowling Harpenden out for 180.

David Barker (23) and Lee Pratt (22) gave Dunstable a platform, while Marcus Connor hit a crucial 38, but it was James Bromhall’s unbeaten 52 that saw Dunstable home as they finished on 183-8 with just three balls to spare.

The IIIs slipped from the top of Division Eight B, losing by 35 runs to Stevenage IVs.

Hamzah Khan’s 4-37 wasn’t enough to stop Dunstable being set a target of 225 by their opponents.

Although Pete Treharne set about the visitors chase in positive fashion with 67, they were bowled out for 190 despite 33 from Ollie Rigby and 26 for Richard Kilduff.

Dunstable’s grip on the Bedfordshire County League Premier Division strengthened as they stretched their lead to 53 points over Southill Park with a five-wicket win against Waresley.

The visitors were set a stiff chase after the hosts hit 194-7 from 45 overs after Sam Cherry’s 3-27. Cherry then hit an unbeaten 82 whilst putting on 109 with Marcus Connor, who made 37 in his Sunday first team debut, as Dunstable reached 196-5.

The IIs were condemned to a 91-run loss against First Division leaders Ampthill to keep them rooted to the bottom of the table.

Dunstable put in a brave bowling showing as Ayub Khan’s 3-38 helped dismiss Ampthill for 191, but they were skittled for 100 in reply, Joe Moss top scoring with 24.