Wheathampstead Cricket Club

And so our first away match of the season.....

The management opted for a Raphael Benitezesque rotation policy ringing the
changes from Sunday's team in search of the first proper victory of the
season against Hitchin 2's. On a warm summers evening Wheathampstead,
captained by Arthur, opted to bat first, clearly hoping for some extra turn
in the wicket as the evening closed in. Callum and Harry C led from the
front with with a solid opening partnership of 13 with boundaries for both
players. Next in were Arthur and Ryan. Arthur set about the bowling with
three quick boundaries with both players working excellently together
calling quick singles. At the half way point in the innings Wheathampstead
had moved the score onto 231. The next partnership Max and Tom, faced the
toughest bowling from Hitchin but produced a punchy fight back to keep the
score ticking over. Nonetheless, the last pair of Jack and Harry S came to
the crease with the score on 247 and conscious of the need to reach a
defendable total. Jack, in no mood, to bother with mere singles, proceeded
to dismantle the bowling attack with a devastating display of hard hitting
with six fours and a six to hit a magnificent 34 not out. He was ably
supported by the effortlessly stylish Harry S, reminiscent of a young David
Gower, as the final pair put on a magnificent 40 runs from the last four
overs, giving the team a fine total of 287 for 3.

Despite the excellent batting it was clear that Hitchin were determined to
put up a chase, with some hard hitting from opening pair. However, the
fielding from Wheathampstead was superb. Twice Arthur picked off catches
from behind the stumps and Callum held one in the deep. Tom dived full
length to prevent fours in the covers, and there was excellent coordination
between the fielders to keep the runs to a minimum. Ryan, taking over behind
the stumps, threw himself at everything to keep the extras to a minimum.
Callum claimed a hard earned wicket with a caught and bowled in his final
over, diving full length to pluck the ball from the ether, creating a dust
cloud of Icelandic proportions on his landing. Nonetheless, Hitchin's
resolute batting display kept them in touch and the scores were level after
14 overs. With pressure mounting Arthur bowled a text book penultimate over
allowing Hitchin just a rushed single to fine leg before Max took the ball
for the final dramatic over. Steaming in from the Pavilion End (imagine a
slightly smaller version of Joel Garner at the Oval in 1981) he kept line
and and length allowing just two runs, and guiding the team to a richly
deserved victory.

So a fine victory, with every player surpassing expectations. In particular
the fielding was fantastic and the focus, respect and sportsmanship from all
the team was first class. Hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did!

Wheathampstead 287 for 3 off 16 overs (top scorers Jack 34, Arthur 15)
Hitchin 273 for 4 off 16 overs

Training for those who can make it, as usual next Sunday 9.30 am