4th XI Lose Final Game by 8 Wickets

So as we dot the “i”s and cross the “t”s of the season and make sure the ledgers balance and look at the final table we find ourselves with 3 points from survival and in years to come, some might suggest that this was an “pretty average” season. However consistent with the current political climate there are “alternative” statistics that points to a season that was full of intrigue and games that were rarely dull affairs: we have tied a game, lost by 14 runs, lost by 2 wickets, won by 1 run, 15 runs and 28 runs.

The post-match curry general consensus was one of an enjoyable season, it was certainly a pleasure and a privilege to be captain and beyond all other considerations we hope that all the junior members enjoyed their season… it was a great to see them develop.

So onto “i”s and “t”s of Saturday’s last game of the season… Hertford were asked to bat by the best bowling attack in the league (as nominated and unanimously voted for by the 4s batsmen). This resulted in the top 5 batsmen all been clean bowled on a spicy green-top. Rather bizarrely 4 of those batsmen were out playing defensive shots but the bookies long-shot to getting out to an aggressive shot was…. Springy! This ended a 20 over vigil for the highest score of the day of 18 runs.

Del was run out to a direct hit from the boundary and the tail left Flynn Ruskin unbeaten on 16, along with Del they were the only batsmen who looked comfortable. Hertford’s innings closed on 90 within 33 overs at which point the teams turned straight around as teas were not ready and it was suggested that we might want to see if we could swap our 9.30 curry booking for a late lunch buffet.

The bowlers had a thankless task without any scoreboard pressure but consistent with the season all bowled tight lines and restricted the oppo to scoring the runs in the same number of overs as the Hertford innings for the loss of two wickets.

As is traditional, some special thanks to end the report. To the juniors for contributing so much to the team over the season and especially for celebrating each other’s successes.. don’t ever loose that! And to Andre who was injured and kindly umpired; and finally to Steve Page for the help and support during the season and on Saturday (also injured!) he cycled down to watch yesterday and in our time of need could be found on his bike: bringing bails; fixing sight-screens and winding up sight-screens.

All sums up the spirit of the team really, so we will end on that note. Until next season.