Bushey 2nds defeat Ricky 2nds by 5 wickets

After last weeks disappointing result, Ricky 2nds took to the field with hopes of a better result against a similar strength Bushey side. In fact the bowling was stronger from Bushey, however Paul (17) and Waheed (18) put on 34 for the first wicket to give Ricky a good platform. Once the Bushey spinners got into their stride, the going became tougher, especially when Kamran had to retire with an injured knee. Anwar Thakar, back from injury himself, batted superbly for a well constructed 40 before Bilal Mohammed (28) and Brett Harvey (18) put on 35 with some deft touches and controlled hitting. In Bilal's only 2nd game for the club, this was his best knock so far, whilst Brett also cannot have played much better in a Ricky shirt. 155 seemed a decent total, without being outstanding.

The Bushey reply could have been so different when a simple return catch was spilled by bowler Haunaman in the first over. That the batsman in question, Shahid, went onto score 62 to anchor the innings, perhaps showed how games like these can turn on such moments. Brett and Bilal both bowled well, with Brett eventually getting the reward of 2 wickets. But there wasn't much in the wicket for the bowlers as it played straight and true. Adeel & Anwar both bowled a tight line, and perhaps the only mid-innings highlight was a good spell of 4 overs for 19 from County hopeful Harvey Blackwell, playing in his first senior match for the club. However wickets remained hard to come by and eventually Bushey ran out 5 wicket winners with some lusty blows towards the end.

Once again the Ricky team showed great character in the field and the game was played in the best of spirits by both sides. Ricky 2nds now go into next weeks game against Northwood Town looking for a morale boosting victory to hopefully launch the team for the new season.