Ryan Returns to Spin Hertford to Derby-Day Victory

A hot day was in store for a Hertford side making three changes from the previous week, with a notable return for spinners Jon Ryan and Tom Orchard.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Hoddesdon erupted out of the blocks. Some aggressive shot making from the opening pair left the hosts startled as a rapid 50 came up in only 44 balls.

Needing a change, Hertford turned to the reliable Adam Carlson to rein in the runaway Hoddesdon. Shortly after his introduction, Carlson claimed the vital breakthrough with a sharp catch off his own bowling to remove James Curtis for 31.

A change of bowling at the other end also came soon after with the introduction of the wiley left arm spin of Ryan. The wicket soon began to show its turning potential with his control of pace immediately showing results.

Soon after Hoddesdon’s captain Rob Walters passed a quick half century, Ryan was able to draw an edge, which was safely pouched by Hugh Cavener at slip.

Hoddesdon were making good headway thanks to the constant threat of Jayden Broodryck with a quick outfield and short boundary at their disposal.

Ryan continued to plug away. He made regular breakthroughs to help disrupt the visiting top order, who had marched to 186 for 4.

With the introduction of Tom Orchard to accompany Ryan, Hertford soon turned the screw to capitalise on the spinning wicket. Within a matter of minutes, the hosts reduced Hoddesdon to 188 for 7 and put themselves well on top.

The increasingly attacking presence of Broodryck did little to stop the Hertford charge. Squaring up Harry Mason with another well paced gripping delivery, Ryan was able to cap off a remarkable return to the first XI with his fifth wicket of the innings.

As a run out finished off the tail, Ryan left the field with figures of 5 for 58 as Hertford were set 217 runs to win the local derby.

In reply, the hosts made steady early progress to take the shine from the new ball. The in-form pair of Hugh Cavener and Fayaz Homyoon soon forced a change of bowling thanks to their watchful start.

The change however brought rewards for Hoddesdon, as right arm quick Matt Varner clean bowled Cavener for an unlucky 13.

Cavener's wicket brought Will Ray to the crease who was coming off the back of an upturn in form in the previous weeks. He and Homyoon set about continuing the positive start Hertford had made.

Much like the hosts, the visitors soon turned to spin in a bid to switch their fortunes. James Curtis settled in for a lengthy spell by drawing Homyoon into a drive which was caught well at extra cover.

At 43 for 2, the Stags looked to their overseas, Bailey Eustance, to restart the run chase.

Ray and Eustance then began to build a solid foundation and quickly quietened the visiting side. Some typically fluent shots, bringing a fifty partnership in 59 balls, helped settle Hertford into a rhythm that took them to tea in a comfortable position.

Their approach barely changed after the interval. Eustance reached a nearly flawless half century to further turn the screw on their local rivals whose chatter had dried up as their fate became clearer.

The hundred stand came up soon after, alongside Ray's own half century, made from a comfortable 108 balls. The watching Hertford faithful were sensing a decisive victory.

A momentary lapse in concentration provided one final bump in the road. An overeager Eustance found himself stumped off the bowling of Rob Walters with the finish line in sight. It couldn't take away from a fine 69 that nicely set his team on course for the 30 points.

Richard Leather entered the fray and did not wish to extend the game further. A rapid 23 quickly brought an end to the contest and the bragging right to Hertford. Ray finished 76 not out having perfectly anchored the hosts' chase and setting his side up for their third win in five games.

Hertford face a stern test away at Radlett next weekend as they attempt to go six games unbeaten and make a late charge towards the play offs.

Written by Andrew Knight