Hertford 1s brought back down to earth by Radlett

Hertford travelled to 3rd place Radlett on a high after producing a fantastic winning performance the week before against Letchworth Garden City.

Stand-in Hertford captain Will Ray won the toss and elected to bat, hoping to post a competitive total on a good wicket with a lightning quick outfield. The early signs were positive from Ray and his new opening partner, Ian Harris, with the latter taking 10 runs from the 2nd over bowled by Darren James.

Any early optimism was dispelled when Randeep Sanghera had Harris out caught when he mistimed a pull shot to mid-on. Sanghera's opening partner James was pulled from the bowling attack after just 2 overs and the incoming Joe Cooke took only 3 balls to claim his first wicket, bowling Ray for 17. When Elliot King was bowled to become Sanghera's 2nd victim, Hertford were in a precarious position at 28-3 and a competitive total looked distant.

Stuart Barker, promoted to number 4 this week, was joined by James Leather and the two naturally-attacking batsmen transferred some pressure back onto Radlett. Barker was particularly positive, playing a number of glorious straight drives against Radlett's impressive seam attack. With the score on 60, Leather was excellently caught by young wicket keeper Charlie Nicholls and Hertford were in trouble again. Barker continued to play positively but wickets tumbled regularly at the other end. Barker was eventually out for 49, unlucky not to reach his 50, and Hertford fell to 106 all out in 29.5 overs. Radlett opening bowler Sanghera was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4-40.

In reply, Radlett's openers Tom Jenkins and Fraser Crawford looked to play positively to chase down the low total in quick time. Hertford knew they had to be overly aggressive with the ball and in the field and this left gaps which Jenkins and Crawford exploited. Hertford spinner Scott Ruskin, playing his 1st league game this season, was bought onto bowl early and gave Hertford control, slowing the scoring and eventually having Jenkins well caught at first slip for 18. At the other end, Adam Carlson bowled aggressively and was rewarded soon after when he had Radlett number 3 William Wright LBW for 0. When Crawford was then out LBW to Ruskin for 26, Radlett were 62-3 and Hertford dreamed of an unlikely victory. Radlett number 4 Joe Cooke came in and struck a number of impressive boundaries, taking Radlett to victory with an assured 46 not out.

Hertford will look put this result behind them and get back to winning ways when they welcome Totteridge Milhillians to Balls Park this Saturday.

Scorecard:
http://hertford.play-cricket.com/website/results/3081347