Hertford 4s Beat Bushey by 6 Wickets in Season Opener

For the first time a strip of tarp covered the top wicket overnight and after the 2s finished with the squeegee it made its top pitch debut. Finally skip won the toss, the first time since early August 2019 (a run of 8 consecutive losses) and invited Bushy to have first use of the usual early May green top.

George Gardner and Matt Ahl started brightly and made good use of the conditions. First wicket of the season fell to Matt as Mike Ives took a sharp catch at point, in what turned out to be a good “day at the office” for him. George was exceptionally unlucky as two chances were grassed off Bushey’s “Gun” bat. If either of those chances has been taken it could have been a very short day.

First change saw the return of The Metronome, Dave Benham, whose wicket to wicket bowling usually takes advantage of early season conditions. He did not disappoint again on Saturday with figures of 8 overs 4 maidens 7 for 5, including squeezing the patience out of “Gun” who holed out Rich Eaton in the deep.

At the other end, continuing the theme of a day of firsts, Mike Ives made his league bowling debut and was unlucky in his first spell but returned to take 3 wickets and two catches, much to the delight of the majority of the club who have him in their fantasy cricket team.

After some resistance for the 8th wicket Bushey’s innings ended on 138 off 35 overs, just shy of the rain reduced allotted 36 overs. A quick mention to George Rideout who valiantly stepped up on Saturday morning after a late call off and hoovered up everything within 30 yards of him and had two very close direct hits.

In reply Hertford found themselves staring down the barrel at 40 for 4. A combination of good new ball bowling and a wicket still offering enough proved the downfall of Rob Wood, Lewis Harris, Sam Read and Nick Horton.

Mike Ives and Rich Eaton rebuilt the innings. They saw off the remainder of the opening bowlers, got used to the pace and bounce of the pitch while picking off the looser deliveries and eventually taking the attack to Bushey which culminated in a 20 run over which broke the spirits of the Bushey team. Brutal hitting followed and it was noted at this point that Bushey’s captain was to be found off the pitch on his mobile phone, however Google could not provide him any answers as Rich and Mike remained unbeaten in a stand of 99, as Hertford won by 6 wickets. A great effort by both in difficult conditions and under pressure.

Finally, a big thank you all those who helped get the game started, it was noted Hertford were the only team in our division to host a game on Saturday.

Written by Nick Horton.