Hertford 3’s Beat Knebworth in Run Fest

The decision to bring in Gus Joyce meant experience in the batting line up, whilst Hesh Abeywickrama made a return after his escapades in Scotland. Knebworth won the toss & fancied fielding on a wicket that seemed well paced with no major tremors, despite the mid-week showers.

Lewis Harris and Sam Read set about the task for Hertford 3’s against some steady line & length bowling. However, Lewis Harris was cleaned up quickly when he attempted to play across the line. Hertford’s No.3 Gus Joyce joined Sam Read when the visitors were 12/1. The next hour saw Sam Read and Gus Joyce build a striking partnership which was marked by diligent shot-making and aggressive running between the wickets.

While Sam Read provided the much-needed assurance at one end with his adept technique and application, Gus Joyce displayed strong defence and textbook style shot-making which kept the Knebworth bowlers & fielders busy. A strong foundation was laid by these two batsmen through a partnership of 140 runs, the highest for the Hertford 3’s this season. Sam Read fell after a finely compiled fifty, in an attempt to up the ante. Another steady knock from Sam Read, who is settling in effectively into his opener role for Hertford. Gus Joyce continued to pile on the runs at one end despite a niggling leg injury which provided the right impetus for a finely crafted century (a wounded lion and all that…).

His innings was marked by Gus Joyce’s trademark patience, exemplary shot selection and solid defence, all characteristics that other batsman in the squad should aspire to inherit. When Gus Joyce was caught at long on for a fine 123, the reins were handed over to Alex Carter to build on the solid foundation. Alex Carter once again showed his natural flair as a batsman with some exceptional shots and fine judgement. His aggressive 83 led to a 112 run partnership for the 4th wicket with Hesh Abeywickrema, who contributed with a well timed 37. Hesh Abewickrama’s return to batting form is critical to bolster the middle order strength for Hertford. Alex Carter and Hesh Abeywickrema’s partnership was marked by strong shot-making & a positive attitude which helped Hertford reach a strong total of 320/3.

Despite the runs on board, it was critical to acknowledge the wicket was getting easier to bat on & the boundaries were easier to come given the slopey and bumpy Knebworth outfield.

A strong start once again from David Beardsley and Flynn Ruskin meant Knebworth were 22/2 in the early stages. David Beardsley bowled a good length and was able to move the ball, both ways. Flynn Ruskin’s pace troubled the batsman ultimately resulting in the wicket of No.3 James Bedford. Despite a good start, Hertford went through phases on poor bowling & fielding lapses that let Mark Woods and Robert Morley, the skipper, build a solid partnership of 80 for the 3rd wicket. Loose bowling meant regular boundaries on a track that was not offering much, and the chase was well on with these two set batsmen.

Mark Woods used the opportunity to compile a fine half-century and looked solid at one end. Robert Morley was beginning to showcase his wide array of shorts when he mistimed one off Shri Kumar resulting in a catch to Ross Murphy at short fine leg. Though Knebworth kept losing regular wickets at one end, Mark Woods was a constant fixture which meant the other batsmen could build their innings around him. As in the case of No.6 Lewis Hutchinson who scored 49 to build an 87 runs partnership with Mark woods for the 5th wicket. Credit to Knebworth for incessantly pursuing the target which looked impossible at the beginning. At the half way mark, Knebworth were well in the game to chase the target down.

The fielding lapses continued to hurt Hertford with a total of 4 chances dropped and some ground fielding errors. Adding to their woes, was the injury to young Flynn Ruskin in his attempt to stop a boundary. This meant Hertford had to play a good part of the second half with 10 men on the ground. As the clouds started looming around Knebworth Park and their batsmen piling on the pressure, the doubts regarding Hertford’s ability to defend totals started creeping back.

However, as they say, adversity is what you need to face in order to succeed. A strong bowling performance form Captain Ian Codd and Hesh Abeywickrama bought Hertford back in the game. The timely reintroduction of Shri Kumar for his second spell, resulted in the wicket of Mark Wood, who was stuck leg before for a well made 95. Ross Murphy returned towards the end of the innings to thwart the lower order batsmen (& quieten some of the rowdy Knebworth supporters). With support from Ian Codd on the other end and some exemplary ground fielding from Hesh Abeywickrama, a ten-men Hertford managed to restrict a spirited Knebworth team for 303, clinching a much needed 30 points.

Overall, a spirited performance from Hertford 3’s with a few chinks to iron out before the next game against Ickleford.

(Our wishes to Flynn Ruskin for a speedy recovery & hoping to see him back on the cricket field soon)

Author: Shri Kumar