Frais fires LMV past Abbots
CRICKET LONDON Maccabi Vale strolled to another comfortable victory in Division Two of the Chess Valley League, brushing aside Abbotts Langley by eight wickets.
The win was Vale’s fifth from six league matches and cements their strong position in the table, with eyes on a remarkable fifth consecutive promotion.
For all LMV’s excellence, questions need to be asked of Abbotts Langley’s dismal attitude. They turned up to Rowley Lane with just nine players and a collective body language that suggested they would rather be anywhere other than on a cricket field.
It was the type of one-sided victory over a disinterested opposition that was not enjoyable to witness, but Vale managed to get the job done effectively and move forward to what should prove a tough encounter against Winchmore Hill on Sunday.
As is often the sign of a strong side, wickets were shared around as Vale bowled with skill and determination.
Steven Allweis (2-19) produced an impressive opening spell to take two wickets, which included that of Abbotts’s overseas professional — held superbly by Simeon Cohen.
That catch was one of three special efforts in the field from Vale as they turned the screw, with Jonny Gould’s leaping two-handed grab at fullstretch off a booming drive a particular highlight.
Cohen himself (2-39) was in the thick of the action, while the Lederman brothers, Benjamin (1-17) and Neil (3-13), made sure Vale were firmly on top, dismissing the visitors for 119. Ben Frais, making his first appearance of the season, dismantled some abject bowling with aplomb, powering his way to 70 off just 39 deliveries.
There were also contributions from Danny Caro, Adam Brand and Benjamin Lederman as Vale cantered to their target in just 13 overs.
Ben Tilley and David Kaplan starred with the ball as Belmont & Edgware recorded a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Uxbridge Casuals.
Tilley accounted for the top three before Kaplan finished with superb figures of 3-16 as Uxbridge were dismissed for 87 in just 17.4 overs.
Elliott Mayer and Dan Frumar added 30 for the second wicket before Frumar and captain Adam Jacobs sealed the victory after 18 overs as BECC continued their strong run of form. CHESS VALLEY LEAGUE DIVISION TWO TABLE
1. Wembley
Pl. 7, W. 6, NRR. 1.43, Pts. 23 2. Brondesbury
Pl. 5, W. 5., NRR. 3.09, Pts. 20 3. London Maccabi Vale
Pl. 6, W. 5, NRR. 2.18, Pts. 20 4. Watford Town
Pl. 6, W. 2, NRR. -0.35, Pts. 12 5. Ickenham
Pl. 6, W. 3, NRR. 0.13, Pts. 10 6. Abbots Langley
Pl. 5, W. 3, NRR. -2.13, Pts. 10
7. St Albans
Pl. 6, W. 2, NRR. -0.22, Pts. 10 8. Winchmore Hill
Pl. 6, W. 1, NRR. -2.26, Pts. 2 9. Chingford
Pl. 5, W. 0, NRR. -1.77, Pts. 0
10. St John’s Wood
Pl. 6, W. 0, NRR. -2.54, Pts. -2