Hertford 1st XI Win Thriller to Clinch Play-Off Berth

After producing three consecutive victories, Hertford visited Potters Bar needing to add another in order to give themselves a chance of a top-four finish.

Potters Bar’s ground once again delivered a challenging wicket for batting but, with his side's success being built on batting first in recent weeks, Hertford captain Ben Cowell did the same again after winning the toss.

Openers, Will Ray and Alan Jones started well on the testing surface to set a solid foundation. With some patient batting they saw out the opening ten overs without much drama.

The pair looked set to continue their late-season form, coasting to their fifty partnership in the 15th over and giving the hosts much to ponder.

Having delivered the start the visitors needed, the opening partnership was suddenly broken as Jones edged through to the wicket keeper for a well-made 25.

Soon after, Hertford once again found themselves staring down a middle order collapse. After reaching 81 for 1, the loss of Ray for 37 sparked a period where the visitors slid quickly to 91 for 5 thanks to some menacing spin bowling from Luke Chapman and Bradley Sayers.

Skipper Cowell came to the crease in a bid to rebuild the innings. But his positive shotplay was soon checked and his Hertford side fell further into the mire with the loss of a further three wickets for only 9 runs.

At 115 for 8, the Stags’ top four hopes hung in the balance, but a resolute partnership from Adam Carlson and Dan Orchard would give them a much needed shot in the arm.

The pair decided to leave everything out on the field in the late overs, delivering some superb striking. Carlson added 27 and Orchard a quick fire 24 to lift the visitors to a competitive 169 from their 50 overs.

The chase was far from a formality on a wicket that offered a lot for the bowlers. Potters Bar’s opening pair of Steve Gale and Pat Scott struggled to settle as the Stags' opening bowlers Andrew Knight and Dan Orchard pushed for an early breakthrough.

Thanks to some diligent bowling, their efforts were soon rewarded as Knight drew Scott into a mistimed drive to mid-off to get Hertford on the board.

Gale was joined by James Scott who immediately went on the offensive to try and break the back of the run chase. Luck was on his side in the early stages, with two skied chances dropped and a sharp caught and bowled attempt also hitting the turf.

Despite the chances offered, the pair made it past fifty to set out a solid stall which Hertford knew they had to break if they were to secure the victory they required.

As the partnership began to look comfortable, Hertford were able to draw some inspiration to quickly take two wickets to wrestle back control. In the tenth over of his spell Knight was able to remove James Scott for 14, before Jamie Regan swiftly backed him up to take the wicket of incoming number 4, Ashane Wijesuriya.

As wickets fell around him, Gale continued to accumulate runs. He clipped his way to his half century in the 35th over to maintain the pressure on the visitors.

As the pressure built, Regan was again able to tip the balance back in Hertford’s favour. Within two overs he was able to reduce the hosts to 89 for 5 and give the Stags a much needed boost.

But the tension wasn’t to end there as Gale’s continued presence gave Potters Bar a glimmer of hope. He steadily pushed his side within fifty of the required total with ten overs to spare.

With the wicket continuing to prove a boon for the spinners, the left arm spin of Fayaz Homyoon was soon to provide the impetus that Hertford needed.

Homyoon’s wiley and controlled turn made it difficult to score and provided pressure with every delivery. With Potters Bar needing less than 30 to win, he and fellow spinner Jonny Underdown made the difference for the visiting Stags.

Both spinners took two wickets apiece with Homyoon claiming the final, and crucial, wicket of Gale for a classy 75. His spell undoubtedly proved vital in securing a 19-run victory for Hertford.

With the win came a remarkable achievement for Hertford, who, in the space of four weeks, rose from battling relegation to secure a playoff place for the overall League title.

Speaking after the game, Stags captain Ben Cowell praised his side’s efforts at the end of the season. “Whilst it had looked unlikely a few weeks ago, we always knew we had the ability to push for the top four in the latter stages of the season.”

“Making the top four reflects the hours we’ve all put in over the course of the season and I don’t see any reason why we can’t surprise more people in the semis next week.”

Hertford travel to Harpenden next Saturday looking to secure a fifth consecutive win in the playoff semi-final.

Author: Andrew Knight