Drop catches and poor batting cost Ricky 4s

On a very hot sunny July morning a much changed Ricky 4's team turned up to Northwood Towns 2nd pitch. Ken lost the toss again and we were asked to take the field. Hanuman started a tight spell removing one of the openers cheaply. Then the slow grind started with the pitch not offering the bowlers much and the fielding not up to scratch with 5 catches being dropped. With perseverance a few wickets fell but at desperate times drastic messages were called for and the new Tony McDonald Barker (aka Ray Hibbert) was given the ball in the hope that a batsmen would get themselves caught in the deep but alas this was a false wish and after 2 overs he was removed. Their batsmen continued to score runs and finished the 40 overs losing 6 wickets. Hanuman and Jack Lee both taking 2 wickets and tight 8 overs for Yusuf 29-0 and Neil 34-1.

Northwood ended up on a very good score of 207. It could have easily been a lot less with better fielding and catches being taken, some that were very easy at this level!

We then retreated to the shade of the trees for tea and contemplation on what we had to do. After the much needed rest and refreshments we went out to bat. Very quickly extras showed what a great run maker they were. The first opener Ray departed without troubling the scorers . Phil then came in and showed us how to bat against the bowlers. The next pair stayed together until the 10th over when Darshan decided not to play straight and was caught for 2. Phil carried on batting the same way as batsmen came and went Yusuf 4, Neil 1, The opposition then brought on their 5th bowler who tied down one end taking the wickets of Hanuman for 5 and Awais with a turning ball for a golden duck putting Kartik to face the hat trick ball which he defended well with every fielder around the bat. The next ball he was brilliantly caught with the ball inches off the turf. After batting for 23 overs in blistering heat and watching a precision of team mates make their way back to the shade of the trees Phil misqued a big hit and was caught. The skipper was then given out to a very dodgy LBW (it clearly hit the bat, not sure if that umpire will be picked next Saturday) and Jack was bowled to end our very under par batting display except for Phil 37 and extras 25 no one managed double figures.

Debates on how we performed continued back at the club, where most enjoyed the new beer at the bar with fellow Ricky players who were also getting over their defeat.

Next week the team face Old Minchendenians who they’ve beaten once, with Matt, Rumpy and Bobby set to be back (coincidently planned for the Ricky drinks night) Ken will be having some selection issues, but hopefully we can get back to winning ways!