Ricky break more records

Just the day before England take on Italy in the Euro Final, Ricky 1st XI were busy setting new records of their own, down to a stunning batting display by Usman, Majid and Aamir. And perhaps some credit to new Groundsman, John Smith.

Never before in a Herts League game has a team scored 300 on Ricky's main square. Only once before in our history has 300+ been scored on Ricky's ground and that was on the smaller 3rd team pitch in 2004 when a certain Zawar Hussein, then a teenager, took a long handle to Shenley Village 3rd XI, propelling the team to 327 in 42 overs.

However even the 327 was only scored at 7.78 an over, whereas this new record was set at 7.93.

The margin of defeat, 210 runs, was also a new record for Ricky 1st XI. Also no Ricky team has ever had a centurion and 3 half-centurions in the same innings, if you also consider the 50 extras that Bishops Stortford gave away to be a contributing factor.

There are some postage stamp grounds in Herts and we were still 42 runs short of the record of 369, set in 2009 at Eversholt, however with 10 overs still to go, in a normal game, it's likely that record would have been broken as well.

Back to the game itself, there was only 2 places to be - playing or watching. You certainly wouldnt want to be a BSCC bowler. Maz started like a train, finally finding some form. Indeed he also played in the 369 game, and he was sorry to get out for 30, contributing 80% of the runs in the opening partnership. Aamir then took on the bowling, being given the coveted #3 spot and showed why in a magnificent display of power hitting and running.

Aamir was well supported by Usman (53) and Majid (51) who both enjoyed the freedom of coming to the wicket with runs on the board. Aamir's century was loudly applauded by the watching crowd. Ricky finished on 317/8, tailender Zaf not even getting a bat.

BSCC needed to score at 8 an over and they did their best, but once again the Ricky bowling was just too much for them. Raunak is very welcome back from University, taking 2 wickets with Majid taking 4 - a good day for the new Dad - and Cookie taking 3 wickets. Zaf bowled one ball and took a wicket. Perhaps he has as good a day as Aamir, having a grandstand view of the fireworks and a great wicket taking percentage of 100% per ball !

Special thanks to Billy who stepped in with 20 minutes before the match, when Harvey had to step down due to Covid precautions.

Ricky move ominously into 4th place just 15 points behind the leaders. It's now time to go on one of those famous Ricky runs that takes us into promotion contention. With King Harry on our chest, maybe the Division 4 title is coming home for this bunch of talented cricketers.