Hertford 4th XI Off To The Perfect Start Against Aldenham

With new 3 new club members, 1 returnee and 1 junior debutant the season started with lots of introductions but in no sense did we play like of bunch of strangers.

Flynn Ruskin and Matt Ahl removed the openers, great start: job done. Both struggled with a ball that swung alarmingly, a “compliant” from all the bowlers. In fact both Angus and Dave said the ball was reversing…. Unlikely! So either we had a rouge ball or Hertford have an interesting batch of balls.

Dave Benham then bowled 9 overs straight with great control and took 5 for 17 with the scorebook reading Bowled Benham Ct Kildare twice as that partnership was renewed with Angus taking two slip catches.

Angus bowled for the first time in a couple of years and showed he has lost nothing, Finally Isaac Medcalf, after an understandably nervous first over, demonstrated great attitude and soon settled in to take his first senior wicket for Hertford and took his 2nd the next ball! Aldenham 1st XI were dismissed for 90 in the 32nd over.

In return, Hertford then put on 53 for the first wicket and polished off the total in the 30th over for the loss of skip, Nick Horton, for 26. Matt Bartlam batted with maturity beyond his years, it was one of those pitches when the bat was beaten regularly but unfazed Matt just played each ball on its merit. Alex Cooke was in just long enough to show he has clearly played at a much higher level of cricket. His straight six on that wicket was worth 12 and was easily the shot of the day.

We caught 3 and dropped 0. The team backed each other up in the field; both batsmen and bowlers played as pairs and skip received plenty of ideas in the field. Long may that all continue.

Lastly, a quick mention to Jakub, Ugen and George Rideout who, due to the one-sided nature of the game did not get a whizz this week however all contributed with excellent fielding and positive attitude. Much appreciated.

Report by Nick Horton