Captain Riddle leads the way again for Hertford 2s

Hertford 2s move within 3 points of 2nd with comfortable win over Knebworth.

The 2ndXI headed to Knebworth Park last Saturday full of expectation and confidence, skipper Riddle returned from his tour of New Zealand and declared his ambition to put Knebworth in and chase, Knebworth ruined this theory by winning the toss and batting on a very dry surface.

After the game the Knebworth skipper said;
“we wanted to put you guys in because only your openers have got any runs this year, so we thought if we got them out - we would win”
…let’s see how that worked out for them shall we?

Well, it looked very promising for Knebworth after Pavey – the prized-Hertford wicket – departed LBW in the first over of the match, this was the only positive they had for the next 35 overs however as Riddle and Lawrance both compiled assured half centuries in a partnership of 157. Lawrance looked masterful as soon as he got to the crease and it was a surprise to everyone when he chipped one back to the bowler on 61. What was more surprising was that Jamie was still there; unbelievably he made it to his 4th hundred of the season, and easily his worst. Regrettably we still had to applaud him because he had, after-all got the team into an excellent position.

Riddle (105), realising that he only had one gear hit one up in the air shortly after reaching his milestone to let the entertainers take over. Linney (17) first, and then Golder, ably supported Chandler (30) in leading the charge to a declaration, this was boldly called in the 48th over after Chandler dispatched the last ball for a 6 to finish a very well-timed knock. Knebworth therefore needed 235 from 52 overs.

Dawson and Linney opened the bowling and immediately settled into some threatening lines, Dawson was luckless throughout his spell but bowled brilliantly to back-up Linney who was making the ball talk. Linney produced two absolute jaffa’s to dismiss batsman’s number 2 and 3 in what was an excellent opening spell. Winchester joined Bartlett-Tasker at the crease and both proved to be stubborn in many respects, ‘B-T’ entertained the Knebworth faithful with some big straight hits, while Winchester only frustrated everyone.

After a stoic partnership of 60 the wiley-Thompson was brought on and promptly removed Winchester and immediately got another. At the other end Cavener was into his groove and picked up 3 wickets of his own – Knebworth were crumbling. Skipper Jones provided some support for B-T who was still there, taking advantage of the attacking fields. After Jones fell to Golder, it was up to debutant Tom Orchard to polish of the last 2 wickets, he obliged in less than half an over. Knebworth were all-out for 141…unbelievably, 111 of these runs were scored by Bartlett-Tasker!! It was in all fairness, an outstanding effort from the man!

What was also outstanding was everything Hertford did, great batting with a confident declaration, followed by a brilliant bowling and fielding display! Also worth noting is the fantastic attitude and team-spirit which makes the games incredibly fun to play in as well – Hertford find themselves 1 point off a promotion place now! Old Finchelians this weekend at home and the twos will be looking to carry on the great work!