The Hemel Hempstead-based Falcons split a double header with Richmond Flames, who sit above them in the National Baseball League (NBL) table and are former champions.

They came up against Flames' fiery pitcher, Cody Cain, one of the biggest names in British baseball.

But Herts' Peter Kikel was a match for him in every way, frustrating the Richmond hitters from the pitching mound in the first game, which the team from Grovehill won 2-1.

The Falcons' runs came from Kimiyoshi Saionji, who hit a home run, and a key RBI from Luis Goncalves.

The Falcons, placed fifth in the eight-team NBL, made a strong start in the second game and led 6-5 after five innings.

But they were pegged back and finished on the wrong side of an 11-6 scoreline to their rivals.

The rookie Herts Raptors were also facing Richmond opposition in the shape of the Dragons.

The A-League side lost 24-4 having conceded 14 runs in the first innings.

The Herts Hawks came up against Richmond Knights in the AA-division, losing 18-4, while the Eagles continued to keep up their record as the most successful Herts side. In the second-tier AAA League they split their double-header with the Essex Redbacks.

They won the first game 9-8 but, despite a late seven-run rally, lost the second 15-14.