Hertford 1s push leaders Welwyn Garden City all the way...

Hertford produced what was arguably their best performance of the season to run unbeaten league leaders Welwyn Garden City close in an entertaining match at Balls Park last Saturday.

After Welwyn won the toss and decided to bowl first, Hertford set about making the most of a beautiful batting surface, racing to 42 before losing Richard Leather, caught behind off the bowling of Chinn. This brought together Will Ray and Ian Harris, who had produced a useful partnership the previous week, and they continued in the same confident manner, cruising to 125-1 at lunch, with Will Ray passing 50 for the second week in a row. Unlike the previous week the pair were able to build on their morning's work and batted perfectly to plan, with Harris passing 50 for the first time in Hertford colours. Ray stroked his way to an immaculate 100 with some delightful shot-making. Their partnership was closing in on 150 by the time Harris was removed for 60, with the score 187-2. Hertford had the perfect platform and sought to make their way to a score in excess of 300. Ray was joined by Ben Cowell and the score was progressed to 212 before Ray was dismissed for an outstanding 118.

From that point, Hertford weren't able to accelerate quite as planned as the new batsmen struggled to replicate the fluency shown by Ray. Welwyn bowled tightly, in particular the returning Chinn, who picked up the wickets of Cowell for 25 and Barker for 9. James Leather ended 35*, but Hertford frustatingly short of their target of 300 at 279-6.

With runs of the board Hertford were confident of exerting pressure on Welwyn, however the previous week's experience had taught them the value of early wickets, and this is what they got when James Leather removed Louis Champion for 16 and then former Hertford man Matt Hill for 9 to reduce Welwyn to 45-2. With Hertford on top, they then missed a crucial chance as Blacktopp was put down at point on 10, which would have given Hertford an early look at Welwyn's middle order. Following this, and much in line with the Hertford innings, Welwyn were then able to put together a large partnership with Blacktopp and Southgate enjoying the friendly batting conditions. Hertford's hopes were beginning to fade with both men advancing towards their century.

James Leather, returning to the attack for a second spell, was able to provide Hertford with renewed hope as he was able to remove Southgate on 81 with a well disguised slower ball. In the space of 6 overs Welwyn were reduced to 192-6, courtesy of 2 run outs and another Leather wicket. Hertford now had all the momentum and now looked favourites for a surprise victory. With Blacktopp still occupying the crease and joined by Shay Emerton, Welwyn counter-attacked with a well-balance approach. Blacktopp continued to rotate the strike and new man Emerton batted fearlessly, striking the ball cleanly and injecting some life into the Welwyn innings. Once again the pendulum swung and Welwyn appeared on course for another victory. Emerton brought up a sparkling 50, before in the space of one over Slater had removed both set batsman, including Blacktopp for 92, giving Hertford one last shot at victory. James Leather returned for his 16th over of the innings with only 4 runs required for a Welywn victory, seeking to blow away numbers 10 and 11 to snatch a last gasp win. Unfortunately, with the field close to prevent singles, Welwyn were able to squirt two balls past the infield to complete the win, much to the disappointment of Hertford who had given their all to get back into the game, to see it slip away.

This was a performance from which Hertford will take a lot of positives, with clear signs of improvements in the last 2 weeks. A victory was all that was missing and Hertford will go into next week's match against Letchworth confident that they can get their second win of the season.

by Richard Leather.

Scorecard - http://hertford.play-cricket.com/website/results/3081336