Hertford 1s comfortably beaten by strong Totteridge Milhillians side

Hertford welcomed Totteridge Milhillians to Balls Park, seeking to improve on the previous week's disappointing outing away at Radlett. Returning captain Richard Leather lost the toss, and with a few early morning showers around, Totteridge had no hesitation in asking Hertford to bat.

In favourable conditions Totteridge were able to find movement to trouble the Hertford batsman and it was Ian Harris who fell first, caught behind off the bowling of Webster. As the Totteridge bowlers searched for wickets, the in-form Will Ray did not appear to be troubled by the conditions and profited from Totteridge's aggressive approach, cashing in on anything too full or straight. Ray raced to 50 in seemingly no time, with little having been scored at the other end, taking Hertford to 70-1 as the first hour came to a close. However, Ray fell for 54, edging a seaming ball from Wray behind, ending an extremely promising innings.

When Elliot King was spectacularly caught at gully next ball, Hertford's innings threatened to unravel under the pressure of some threatening Totteridge bowling. The two new men, Barker and Leather were able to steady things slightly before Leather fell for 12, through a thin edge when attempting to cut a rare loose ball. At lunch Hertford were 109-4, with hopes of battling their way to a competitive total in tough conditions.

The lunch break however did not play into Hertford's hands as James Leather was removed shortly after for 10. None of the following batsmen were able to establish themselves at the crease and fell in quick succession, leaving Barker (31) short of partners and ultimately meaning that Hertford fell well short of their pre-lunch targets, ending all out for a disappointing 143. Zareef and Webster both picked up 4 wickets.

Knowing that conditions were difficult for new batsmen, Hertford hoped to make early in-roads against the strong Milhillians line-up. The opening bowlers, Leather and Knight were not able to make the immediate impact desired and the first wicket only fell with the score on 38; Leather removing Howgego for 11. Fellow opener Miles, took the attack to Hertford, and scored freely, even if not always convincingly and together with Shaun O'Brien took the score to 94 before Knight removed Miles for 63, with a well taken catch off his own bowling.

Hertford rotated through all their bowlers as they desperately sought wickets however, there was little joy, the only other wicket to fall was that of O'Brien, smartly taken at 2nd slip by King, once again off the bowling of James Leather. Totteridge cruised home for the loss of 3 wickets, inflicting a second straight defeat on Hertford who take on strugglers Luton Town and Indians next week.

by Richard Leather

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