Hertford 3rd XI Get Off the Mark in Thrilling Win

After some thought at the toss Codd decided in hot and humid conditions that it would be a bowl first day. The old saying of 9/10 win the toss and bat first and on the tenth time consider bowling and still bat went out of the window.

Backing his bowlers to restrict a fellow struggling side to a chaseable target. Hertford started well against a very aggressive approach from Clifton (clearly quick runs and and early finish for the champions league was on the mind). Dave Beardsley once again was mightily impressive with the new ball and if the captain could catch then his figures would have looked far better but 2-29 off his 10 was a great effort. In truth all the bowlers put in good spells. At one stage it could have been 175 the target but some late order hitting propelled Clifton to a very getable 208.

Hopes were high at tea...

These hopes started to fade however as a top order collapse threatened to give Clifton that early finish they desperately wanted. At 40-5 Codd walked to the crease knowing it would take a miracle to turn things around. First act in the middle was to barbecue his partner Jeff at the other end, not his Finest moment and not the start of a rebuilding process.....

That brought Oran to the middle 46-6, from then on with good running and some occasional lusty blows from both Codd and riddle the score began to creep up. Still together at the second drinks break hopes were beginning to return. With every run Clifton were getting more tense and frustrations began to show. By now both Codd and riddle had brought up their maiden 50’s for the club and the momentum was with them.

The last 4 overs, 29 required, and a rather large crowd had appeared to watch a thrilling climax. In true 3’s style Codd decided to make things interesting by offering a catch to deep midwicket, however with the game riding on this moment and infront of the rowdy home support it was shelled. Next ball 4, and the same of the second last ball to give hertford a dramatic 4 wicket win. Riddle finished 65* Codd 86*(runs that are long time coming) and a partnership of 166*.

Nice to have seen some fight from the team and finally a win which can only build confidence. Next week the 3s are away to Ickleford.