3rd XI Edge Out Radlett in Close Low Scorer

Hertford did exactly that, despite the green tinge in the wicket one Radlett opener had decided every ball must go. He played with a lot of aggression against some at times wayward bowling. At 72- 1 after 13 overs it looked like Hertford may be chasing a big total. That was until Grids who had been nagging the skipper to get himself on. Captain on and the rewards game as Islam couldn’t resist and went for one big shot too many.

A well taken catch from Rob Mccarroll at mid off. Shortly after and a repeat attempt (clearly radlett knew who to target) arguably a better catch taken by Marnoch at mid on. From then on the squeeze came from Hertfords bowlers, Noah returned a different man, landing the ball on a terrific length and extracting some extravagant turn. Manzoor battled well in tough conditions with little support from the other end. Wickets fell regularly and Radlett were all out 134 in 44 overs.

The run chase started poorly as Rob wood fell early to a wide ball which he chased. Rob Mccarroll and James Davis batted really well and built the score towards 50. Rob in particular mixing some classy shots with clever running. Davis fell with the score on 57, then Rob got a jaffer which turned between bat and pad to hit leg stump, even he was baffled. From then it was a real grind towards the target, scoring was not easy, Radlett bowled very tight lines and lengths and shot making was not easy.

Wickets fell at regular intervals to leave the score 101-6 with 10 overs to go. 10 runs later and Marnoch got a fantastic Yorker which cleaned him up 111-7, 24 required from 7 overs. Surely we couldn’t lose this one, out strides young Flynn Ruskin, watched on by a growing crowd he played with no fear and edge the score towards the target with Codd at the other end. That was until his eyes lit up at a full ball, bowled middle stump. 126-8, 9 off 3 overs, enter Thommo...

The man for the occasion dispatches one of his first balls to the boundary, 2 off the last over, Thommo carves the ball over wide mid wicket, no quite reaching the boundary the pair run 2 for victory.

A well fought game between both sides on a tricky wicket and a victory that keeps Hertford in the hunt to stay in the division. Next up a tough away game at St Albans.