On the 17^th June the 1^st XI turned up at Bayford and Hertford looking to take the good form in recent weeks which has seen us take 110 points out of a possible 120 to the team lying second in the league.

On arrival the team went through a vigorous warm up to ensure that when skipper Smirnoff won the toss again we would be in the field. Much to the shock of the B&H captain Smirnoff actually chose to bowl on a pitch with a freshly cut short outfield and what was described as a ‘road’. Restrict them and chase it down….same plan bigger challenge!

OEs made a very decent start with Dutchy and one of the new comers to the 1^st XI Simon ‘Godders’ Godfrey both taking an early wicket.  But the B&H run rate thanks to the quick outfield was always high and when Kappa was asked to turn his arm over this only helped out the run rate.

Smirnoff then turned to spin in the form of Nav and himself, Gibbo will be turning in his New York bed when he hears this news! The B&H numbers 3 and 4 were both looking very good and at one point they were 140-2 off 30 overs, we were looking at chasing something BIG! Then shock horror. In amongst all the rubbish (and there was a lot!!) Smirnoff takes his first league wicket of the season with a very acrobatic caught and bowled. The number 3 still looking good in the 70’s then presented a very tough chance to Nav off his own bowling, which was brilliantly taken!

Time to strike! Dutchy comes back as an inspiring bowling change from the skipper sees a wicket fall first ball. In strolls a Macca look-a-like but he was not blessed with Macca’s batting ability constantly missing the ball and he was clearly jealous of the new names and numbers on the new shirts of the OE’s boys.  The 2 batsman in hung around without making any headway until a brilliant run out from Godders takes care of Macca 2. H was then brought on and being really fresh clearly helps the AshrafulExpress as he knocks over the last 3 wickets in no time…on a road quick outfield we’ve restricted one of the top teams in the league to 191! Great effort!!

Now OE’s never make an easy chase, never! Kappa comes and goes quickly without being able to take advantage of the friendly conditions. Clive, with the chance to see his own score on the scoreboard makes steady progress, but new number 3, 14 year old Preetham takes over the scoring and not even Clive is taking the strike on the 5^th ball of the over, happy to let Pree play his shots. Very entertaining innings which was brought to an end by their leg spinner. Good debut, well done.

Nav and Smirnoff will rebuild…..a few big shots but nothing substantial, and the chase begins to falter when both these two are removed. Monty and Dutchy are to take up the chase. Monty looking solid and Dutchy playing his natural swashbuckling way hitting some 4’s missing some! The deficit was now 40, when again the chase loses momentum. Monty then Dutchy and then Miles each lose their wickets.

Godders and Olay are then left to take up the chase. Ball by ball looking more and more confident. Godders playing some great shots along the way and Olay not looking in any trouble at all. No more problems here as Godders and Olay chase down the target brilliantly and well timed!

What a brilliant result the team very pleased and a great all round performance! Lets continue the good team ethic and work, and lets give Botany Bay a good go on Saturday!