In a game billed as a title decider, it was Chipperfield who came out with maximum points, but Rickmansworth who ended effectively the winners with a vital points haul and an amazing show of strength from the young home-grown talent the club has in abundance.

Ricky were asked to bowl first so it was the most effective bowling attack in the Division against the Chipperfield freelancers. With 2 ex-Ricky players in their ranks it was ‘all-in’ by Chippo in a concerted effort to put on a good show. Sadly for Ricky, too many chances were spurned and from 90/3, the excellent McGhie and captain Qayyum put on 195 until they lost another wicket. Perhaps misreading the points situation, Chipps next batters threw away their wickets which meant Ricky would finish above them no matter what the match outcome. 308-6 was ominous put not what it should have been with the two star batters only scoring at a run-a-ball on an outfield which was hard to defend. Billy grabbed 3 wickets and Harvey 2. An injury to Aman which stopped him bowling was another issue however Ricky were happy at the half-way point.

Things got even better for the league leaders as Owen (28) and Yash (18) put on 50 for the first wicket in just 6 overs. However the trusty middle-order found life hard against some tight spin bowling and some balls that kept a little low, resulting in a string of LBW’s and a bowled. At 100-4, Chipps again had a chance of gaining some real points on Ricky but great batting by Billy (32), Rameez (28) and a fine 50 from the injured Aman took Ricky to well-within grasp of the maximum batting points, stretching away from the village side. What happened next was extra-ordinary as two of our home-grown youngsters, Ethan and Angus, put on an entertaining 36 in front of a partisan set of supporters. Failing to bowl Ricky out, the Chipperfield players left the field as if they had lost the game rather than winning. Which in a way they had as Ricky stayed 13 points clear at the top and now just 17 points away from promotion back to Division 2.

The 2nd XI have had a topsy turvy season, but secured another year in Division 5 with 2 games to spare thanks to a reasonable points haul against Botany Bay. Alex Maggi excelled with a fine 45, but had frugal support as Ricky posted just 140. Kasey Harris led the way for the Bay with 93 as they chased the total down for the loss of 6 wickets. They are certainly a different team with him up front.

The 3rd XI had a great win against oft-rivals Berkhamsted. Batting first, the top wicket was again the star as Snehal and Karadi both got attractive 30’s and then Waheed, who is having quite the season with the bat, smashed 64, including 3 maximums to take Ricky out of sight at 196/10. The only disappointment was that there were still 9 overs to be bowled! Berko folded like a pack of cards in reply scoring just 77. Nayan took 4 up front and there were 2 each for Hanuman and Yashas.

The 4th XI were hammered by already relegated London Colney losing by 9 wickets. A total of 150 from Ricky, with many players contributing (Pras, Mark, Todd and Max) was decent but the Colney batters, who only play rarely for the side, were inspired and clubbed the side to victory in unprecedented fashion.

The 5ths lost touch with the top 3, losing by 6 wickets to promoted Potten End. A score of 210 by Ricky seemed good on paper with Bobby Shome returning to form with a fine 56. Rohit with 39 offered good support and surely the young player of the year, Vikram, also batted well for 32. He then took 3 wickets but the home side cruised to a quick victory.
The occasional 6th XI had a good game against Hitchin who racked up 212 thanks to some experienced heads at the wicket, including 78 for Matt Maylin who has played 8 times for their 1st XI this year in Division 1. Quite what he was doing playing for the 8th team will perhaps remain a mystery! Then Ricky were dismissed for just 77. But as always, a game played in great spirit.