Northwood Town Prevail In Hard Fought Battle

On a rather miserable afternoon, start was delayed until 1pm with play moved onto the artificial surface, Yusuf Waqar stand in captain lost the toss as Rickmansworth were sent into bat, Graham and Prasanth opened the batting with a rather hopeful mindset as clouds began to disappear, however they were not to have it there way as Prasanth fell in the 2nd over to one that nipped back, caught at slip. This brought in the returning Rushil although neither him or Graham could find a way to get at the Northwood bowling as they racked up maidens early on, this looked to be the start of a low scoring affair, however Graham was soon into life, elegantly hitting lofted on drives over the infield, runs started come to Rickmansworth, until a bowling change from Northwood saw Rushil fall for 7 and Neil follow suit soon after for what he would call a good looking 2 runs, Graham was then caught in a rather unfair manor for his 21 as Myrin finished his spell, Billy then came in looking to add some power to the batting, the intentions were there early on, unfortunately he was caught at mid on for 4.

This saw Hanuman and captain Yusuf at the crease, both of whom have the batting capabilities, Hanuman set off as if he had never left, running 1s and 2s working away at the bowling, Yusuf showed signs of his form with the bat as he too began to settle in, a much needed partnership in the middle overs after drinks was exactly what the 4ths were looking for, at 16 overs a total of 49-4 raced along to 88 before the next wicket fell, Yusuf ran out as Hanuman slipped and Yusuf was the furthest from Home, Phil joined Hanuman for the last few overs with the aim of getting to 100 and beyond, Phil scored 3 before being knocked over, Hanuman fell shortly after leaving Callum and Neil B to face out the final balls, getting an extra 4 in total, a decent total of 109-7 left the 4ths hopeful of a win. Wides playing a huge role in getting them past 100.

Yusuf and Hanuman opened the bowling, with the aim of early wickets, Yusuf struggled to hit a line as the Northwood Town batsmen tucked into the wayward balls, but Hanuman after a year away showed his skill, finding the perfect length within his first over. Hanuman picked up the first wicket in his 3rd over as Graham held onto a high one at slip, this was the start the 4ths were looking for Prasanth then replaced Yusuf and he too picked up a wicket in his first over. The 2 of them then set about there business not giving anything away, Hanuman bowled 8 straight overs, a marvellous graft after a year out going for just 1-13. This saw Northwood Town to drinks at 44-2. Weather changed as Rickmansworth came back out as a 15 minute downpour ensued as they continued to bowl, Callum and Prasanth now on, a wet ball did not allow Callum or Prasanth to hit a consistent length as Northwood Town scored more runs, once this downpour had passed over and the sun shone, the bowlers could bowl a consistent length. This immediately showed as Prasanth picked up the wicket of the no3 who had long overdone his stay, Prasanth picked up another wicket getting the no5 caught, the 4ths started to perk up knowing something could happen.

Callum eventually found his length and knocked over the no6, this was the beginning of a nervous 10 overs for both teams as the game hung in the balance. Phil came on in the hope to continue the late drama, unfortunately unsuccessful but in this rotation of bowlers, Chris Garrow did work some magic, a tidy first over, then a 2nd over which was a double wicket maiden, 2 catches from Neil R who claimed them as the 'game changers', Chris bowled beautiful line and length which the Northwood Town lower order couldn't compete with. Callum bowled a maiden for the 30th over, Chris then came to do his 3rd however the tail enders realised there best hope was swinging, and that they did as the edged one to third man and then played a lofted drive over Prasanth at Mid-Off.

All in All a great game to be apart of, some confidence building performances on an afternoon where the chances of the weather winning were high. Positives to take away from the game is a team spirit and fight right until the last ball as well as great performances from returning players such as Hanuman. Next up for the 4ths a trip to Old Minchendenians which is always a closely fought game.