Another Close Encounter for Hertford 3’s Against Tewin

A consistent theme this season has been the unpredictable weather and the amateur club cricketer waking up on a Saturday unsure of his plans for the rest of the day. This pattern continued as Hertford 3’s were due to play Tewin for the first time in 2 years at the Balls Park. Adding to the build-up was the severe lack of availability in the club which meant Hertford had to field 7 players who were either new to the 3’s set up or haven’t played much in the division this year. In the mix was a stand in captain in the form of Shridhar Kumar against the 2nd best team in the league (before the game), meant Hertford were definitely hoping for a spirited performance. As luck would have it, the rain gods stayed away from Balls Park to provide for a well contested and entertaining game of cricket. Winning the toss, the Tewin skipper Luke Wilde did not hesitate to put Hertford in given the conditions.

Rahul Sharma, opened with young Lewis Harris and showed glimpses of his natural stroke playing ability earlier in the innings. Rahul Sharma’s timing was commendable and so was his bravery against a good opening bowling attack. He persevered with some strong defence when required but went after anything wide and fuller, a hallmark of an experienced batsman. Lewis Harris was bowled for 7, while Rahul Sharma continued his charge to a well made 39. However, the rest of the Hertford batting line up lacked his composure and attitude and was soon perishing at 114-9. The last wicket partnership of George Rideout and Tony Rhodes put on a 35-run partnership when they duo took the attack to the visitors. This helped Hertford get to 149 which was a challenging total, despite a drying wicket. George Rideout finished with a fighting 18 supported by Tony Rhodes’ mature innings of 13.

Hertford opened the bowling with David Beardsley and Adam Marnoch, both bowling to a tight line and length. David Beardsley made a great impression with the ball swinging it both ways and eventually picking up 3 wickets for 35. Hertford kept the pressure on with Shridhar Kumar and Tony Rhodes who kept the visitors in check. There was a remarkable improvement in Hertford’s fielding with some great ground work (from Rahul Sharma) coupled with fantastic catches from David Beardsley, George Rideout (in the slips) and Adam Marnoch. Shridhar Kumar continued his fine form with the ball to finish with 3/31 while Tony Rhodes finished a tight spell with 2/20. However, stiff resistance from the Tewin lower order especially N.Lipschitz (40) and Mark Bryce (21) helped the visitors reach the target with 2 wickets in hand and 5.4 overs to spare. Hertford finished with 11 points on what could have been a better outing with a few more runs on board.

Overall, a strong spirited performance from the 3’s despite a relatively new outfit. The 3’s are away to Bentley Heath next week in an attempt to cement their hold in the middle of Div. 5A.

Author: Shri Kumar