2nd XI’s Winning Streak Ends in Calamitous Fashion

Rustiness was evident in the warm-up, as Northwood’s slope played havoc with the Second XI’s fielding drills. Captain Orchard couldn’t blame rustiness, however, for losing his second consecutive toss: Hertford would be bowling first. Orchard remarked that wasn’t too disappointed; the pitch was surprisingly dry but appeared to have something in it for the bowlers. Taking a different angle, Hugh Cavener commented that he liked bowling first because it meant he could enjoy his tea long into the afternoon.

Dan Orchard failed to hit a consistent area early on, perhaps caused by the gradient of the wicket but Ben Orchard was more accurate, troubling the left hander outside off-stump. Tony Rhodes, returning from injury, and Adam Carlson, seconded from the dark side/first team (you decide) were introduced into the attack. The Rhodes Colossus used the slope to his advantage, taking the ball away from the left hander, and was rewarded when the Northwood opener found Carlson at point driving on the up. Carlson then joined Rhodes’ party, forcing a false shot from the left-handed opener who dragged the ball back on to his stumps. “That’s what I’m talking about!” shouted Carlson, subdued as ever.

Hertford had made a promising start, and skipper Orchard then added to this. As the Northwood number three launched into a fully blooded drive off Carlson, Orchard winced. He was too close at short extra cover to react if this was hit at a delicate part of him. He’d only really stood so close because a man will do anything to win the approval of his teammates (although we learned that Fayaz doesn’t field at gully…). The bat met the ball sweetly and was heading over Orchard’s right shoulder at pace. The ferociously struck ball met Orchard’s sweaty palm and - to everybody’s surprise - stuck. Teammate Rhodes positively squealed with delight; cover fielder Osborn was even more baffled than usual; Riddle even managed a smirk.

Hertford continued to chip away at the wickets, Carlson claiming an impressive four wicket, utilising all the lateral movement on offer in a nine-over spell up the slope. Rhodes’ third and final wicket was courtesy of a second stellar catch. This time Hugh Cavener was the fielder. At times, Cavener’s old-school cap, dishevelled whites and girthy presence make him look like a young W.G. Grace. It is hard to believe that Grace could have pulled off Cavener’s next trick, however. As the batsman moved back to cut the ball, Cavener loitered. The ball was struck downwards into the covers, and Cavener flung himself low to his left and took a stunning one-handed catch at full stretch. The batsman stood in disbelief at what had happened. This was some comeback from Cavener after a drop against Hoddesdon that Abu Hamza would have been disappointed with.

Hertford’s rustiness had been banished, and Osborn and Underdown were soon introduced into the attack. Osborn continued a strong season with the ball and Underdown bowled with venomous turn as the pair mopped up the tail - after minimal wagging - for a total of 113.

Hertford’s innings started positively with Fayaz and Riddle at the top of the order. However, it never developed any natural rhythm and wickets fell at regular intervals, as though no batsman took true responsibility for seeing the team across the line. It was this attitude that led to the ultimate calamity. Fayaz was run out after delayed response to a call from Riddle, Cavener chipped back tamely to the bowler and Riddle could only find mid-on from a leg-spinner’s full-toss. McCarroll never looked at ease and when he and Carlson - dismissed by a smart delivery from the younger spinner - fell Hertford were struggling, with almost 50 runs still required. Underdown couldn’t seize his opportunity was next out, bowled after some strong hitting. Wood, as the last recognised batsman, played patiently. Together with Orchard, Wood was hauling the team toward victory. Hertford’s total passed 80, 90 and then 100 and a collective sigh of relief from the team could be heard from the middle. After 19 patient runs, Orchard scanned the scoreboard: 6 to win, 4 wickets remaining. A slow spinner was bowling, and the batsman’s patience let him down. He advanced and swung hard. Losing his shape, he nicked it and was caught behind in a moment which he has quite literally not stopped thinking about since.

Cricket is a game of momentum and the momentum was about to swing even further from Hertford, who had so recently had the game in the palms of their hands. Wood was yorked by a brisk quicker ball and Dan Orchard bowled first ball. Suddenly, Osborn and the Colossus were all that stood between Hertford and an ignominious collapse. Finally, the spinner offered a half volley to Osborn. He saw his chance and moved to drive. But to his horror, he could only chip the ball to mid-off. Four wickets had been lost for no runs, and Northwood had completed a stunning turn around and victory.

The Second XI were therefore hurting badly on Saturday night. However, they must not forget how well they have played up to this point. Lessons will be learned and if the reaction is a good one then there is no reason to suspect that the Second XI cannot finish 2020 on a high and they should settle for nothing less than silverware in 2021.