Rickmansworth feel the pain as Leverstock Green win on penultimate over

After a poor week of weather there was little surprise that Leverstock Green having won the toss elected to bowl. Although Rickmansworth lost their first wicket in the 3rd over, Mutaza Shehabi and Rory Bennett dug in well on a very soft wicket to accumulate a fair share of the hosts runs. Unfortunately Rory was the second victim of the day with a solid 25 and only 5 minutes later Taz (30) also followed: from 59-1 to 60-3. Marty Jaynes again looked in promising touch however was somewhat unfortunate to be given out 'caught behind' from an enthusiastic team appeal led by their wicketkeeper. The promotion of Tom Watson to number 6 didn't have the desired effects from the previous Saturday at Parkfield however it was worth the punt with the Leverstock Green spinner in operation. Next in was Benn Glazier who was on the receiving end to a ball that barely hit above the ankle, out LBW for an unfortunate 0. Ajay Thakur and Jason Phillipson showed some resistance to prevent a collapse and helped contribute to the 137 total off 49 overs.

After tea Rickmansworth took to the field with some confidence in securing a victory considering the wicket had yet to receive any sun. The opening bowling pair of Rory and Jason started steady but it was not until the 6th over when the greatly anticipated return of Jason Phillipson struck with the first breakthrough. Wickets started to fall fairly regularly and we found ourselves in a very promising position after 22 overs having the opposition for 52-5. However not for the first time Rickmansworth struggled to break the 6th wicket partnership, in defence the Leverstock Green batsmen do deserve some credit with some great resistance and taking them to 108-5 until Rory clean bowled Littlejohn who took 6-22 in the 1st innings. There was some great promise for a Rickmansworth victory however the number 11 executed some good shots despite some great fielding efforts from Tom Watson to secure Leverstock Green a victory in the penultimate over.

(Submitted by Phil Riddleston)