Rickmansworth IVs v Leverstock Green

Rickmansworth IVs were almost successful in defending a classic low score of
108 in a rain affected game with a story to tell.

As Ricky IVs arrived at the ground on a gloomy afternoon Captain Ken won the
toss and in classic Ricky fashion chose to bat first. Youngster Bilal who has been
on a fantastic run this season alongside everyone’s favourite opener Matt Atkins
made their way to the crease to open the batting. After a 27-run partnership,
almost unheard of for Ricky IVs, Bilal was the first to fall in what would be a spell
to remember for the opposition’s main bowler: Luke Carl. With Bilal gone for 11
runs Jamie Banner made his way to the crease only to depart two runs later after
the ball popped up from a length and a simple catch at cover. We saw Yash
Ruparelia coming in at number 4 walking with the intent that only a promising
youngster like him can possess. As the afternoon went on Ricky IVs was subject
to the Yash and Matt show, a batting masterclass with Matt’s cuts through point
and Yash’s premediated slogs. Sadly, however, we would see Atkins depart for
only 20 but having seen his fair share of overs and cementing the top of the
order together. Yash was joined at the crease by Hitmash who would depart one
run later LBW by Carl. Newcomer and debutant James Emerson would come to
the middle to score another three runs before being dismissed caught behind.
Captain Ken would come out to bat but unfortunately leave caught behind by
Carl walking away with a duck and giving the opposition’s bowler his fifth wicket
of the innings. A series of quick wickets with Hemal and George being bowled
and caught behind respectively left Ricky IVs with their hopes on number 10 and
11 batsmen newcomer James Shorne and none other than Ronak Patel (who
was in fact not present, it was rather Yash’s dad). A partnership of 11 would take
Ricky IVs to the total of 108. Pick of the batsmen: Yash Ruparelia 34 runs of 33
deliveries.

After a classic Ricky IVs performance with the bat, it was time to shine (or not,
COVID) with the ball. Opening bowlers Yash and Jamie kept the opposition down
superbly only giving away 20 runs in the first ten overs. Youngster Yash would
expertly rack up three maidens in his first five overs and only give away two runs
whilst still venturing for yorkers and bodyline bouncers with his left arm over
action. From the other end, Banner confused and frustrated the batsmen with a
spell to remember. He seems to have finally sorted his run up. Banner’s slower
ball in his second over saw the first wicket fall. Little did he know that it would
indeed be the day for slower balls. Opening pair Yash and Jamie were replaced
by George and Bilal, a bowling partnership which saw expert use of the pitch by
both bowlers and racked up four wickets before the drinks break. Bilal shined
with the ball as his composure allowed him to set his victims up for the perfect
ball. Bilal’s formula for success? A leg break, a quicker one, and the dreaded one
that does not turn. Bilal would get the top of off twice and get Ricky into the
game. From the other end, George brought his pace down (for once) and would
use the pitch to his advantage confusing the batsmen who would not know what
would happen next. Just as the bowler. And the wicketkeeper. Matt Atkins
would take a brilliant front diving catch at cover to dismiss the remaining opener
after having hovered to that position a ball earlier. At the beginning of the spell
the question “do you want a slip?” was asked. At this level its an unusual position
as, let’s face it, not everyone has the required ability for it. Keyword: not
everyone. Jamie Banner would stand at first slip to George’s bowling (always a
brave task) and would take what can only be described as the catch of the
season. Ball of a length, pops up to the batsmen’s ribs, hits the shoulder of the
bat, and carries straight to first slip at chest height. Banner, however, forgot we
were playing cricket and chose to chest the ball up the air to later catch it in a
single-handed backwards dive. Top effort. Towards the end of his spell George
would ball the first of four slower balls which would see the batsmen taking a
massive early swing but the ball somehow misses the stumps. After the drinks
break, we saw Hitamsh and James take up the ball for four overs before captain
Ken would look back to his four original bowlers to try and win the match. Yash
would rack up another maiden and despite best efforts would walk away
without a wicket but with four maidens after seven overs giving away only three
runs finishing with an economy of 0.43. George would continue to deceive the
batsmen with slower balls but fail to hit the stumps. Bilal would rack up one
more wicket caught at short midwicket by George. Dropped catches in the field
and near misses on run outs would cost us the victory but a brilliant effort losing
in the last over. All bowlers share the spotlight this week as the combined effort
of all kept Ricky in the game.

Man of the Match: Yash Ruparelia

Moment of the Match: Jamie Banner’s backwards one-handed catch from his
chest at first slip