Hertford 3’s Eventually Cruise to 6 Wicket Victory

Upon losing the toss (again!) Knebworth elected to bat and started bizarrely. First ball bowled by Beardsley and regulation delivery the batsman went to set off and in the process twisted his knee, close fielders suggested they heard a click, unfortunately that was game over for him. After this a combination of loose bowling and many many extras allowed Knebworth to be going at 6 and over after the first 8 overs. The introduction of pace off the ball from Thommo and Captain Codd, slowed the rate and despite not taking many wickets the scoring rate never got away from us.

The young Knebworth opener Richmond was batting well and nearing a century, entering the last 10 overs they were looking to push on. The last ball of Codd’s last over a risky single was called for and Richmond was found short of his ground, run out for 99! Despite some acceleration at the end of the innings a score of 214 felt like a target we could chase given the quick outfield and one short boundary.

The chase began well with openers Heshan and Walsh putting on 50, however neither were able to capitalise on a good start. A slight stutter meant the score progressed to 75-2. With spin on at one end and Ross Murphy at the crease, there was only likely to be one outcome. Sure enough after a measured start a well flighted ball above the eyeline was met with long levered swing of Murph's bat. Despite calls from the boundary of head down after the six over wide long on, two balls later and the shot was attempted again but this time caught on the boundary. Two things to note from this innings: 1) as the left armer was bowling and the sight screen was being moved, Murphy commented it was less about that and more to do with a lack of ability that would mean he would struggle. 2) upon getting out Murphy exclaimed ‘that’s why I hate cricket’.

Moments later a great one handed catch from the Knebworth keeper meant Hertford were 101-4. At this point well ahead of the rate but given our track record of collapses they may have been the odd doubt creeping in. These doubts were expelled by a very measured and sensible partnership between Finn Morgan and Alex Carter. Both waited for the bad balls and ran well between the wickets. The partnership grew and with carter passing 50 The victory was in sight. Especially given an over where 2, 5 ball wides were bowled. The two put on 113 unbroken and guided Hertford home.

The win puts the 3’s top of the league, next up is a home game against St Albans.

Written by Ian Codd.