Old Minchendians Beat Hertford 4th XI

The council prepared pitch was hard and dry and due to the build up at the ends was beginning to resemble a skateboard “half-pipe”.
Page and Spring negotiated a very lively first 10 overs of variable bounce and seam movement. Both fell to catches by the keeper. Rideout, Pickering and Souter all came and went cheaply leaving Hertford struggling on 48 for 5.

Marnoch and Day recued the innings with a fine partnership with the former playing superbly for 44, perishing in the deep attempting a second 6 in a row (Rich Eaton would have been proud of him). Matt Day (47) timed the ball sweetly on both side of the wicket with one exquisite cover drive from their returning quick bowler.

Benham (17) steered the tail to 162 which we thought was a decent total given the conditions. Old Minchendians did not field well, missing 8 chances.

The home side’s reply took the same course as the first innings with openers soaking up early pressure but falling after 10 overs to leave them 21 for 2, Marnoch and Ahl with the wickets. Game on.

Sadly the pitch seemed to calm down somewhat and Hertford were unable to take wickets or stop the batsman accumulating. Captain Wetherill(74) and Patel(59) played well and took the game away with a stand of 100+. Marnoch finishing with 2 for 26 from 9 overs.
League leaders Old Minchenians march on with a six wicket victory in 33 overs.