Ricky second string lose one-sided match to North Mymms

After the disappointment of Bushey dropping out of this fixture on Thursday evening, Ricky were pleased to pick up North Mymms as a replacement. Expecting a side of similar abilities (Medium Weak as discussed on the phone) it was with some trepidation that the players disgorging from cars in the Car Park were mostly 1st XI and 2nd XI standard. With North Mymms competing in the Herts premiership, this was going to be an uphill struggle for the Badgers.

With a stroke of luck, Paul won the toss and rather than chase leather for 40 overs, decided to have a bat on what looked a decent batting surface. Waheed departed early, which was not the practice he wanted, but Brett showed good character and application for the 2nd game running to score 16 before being caught by a stunning catch at 1st slip. In the meantime Owen had gone for a sngle 4 and Roshan dug deep for 16 before getting caught out when the spinners came on. Tahir (8) looked promising before toe-ending a catch to the keeper, and Harvey went back to a straight delivery and was bowled for 5 runs. No embarrassment for the 14 year olds, who are still learning the game, especially against good quality opposition.

However this left Ricky precarious again 69/6. Like last week the tail had to wag and Boris and Paul set about rebuilding some level of score that would make a game of it. On 94, Boris went for a big heave and was caught out for 20 and so last weeks hero entered the fray. He and Paul took the score to 118 before Naeem also attempted to hit a second 6 off the bowler and persished for 15 in the attempt. Paul carried on and was on 27 before handing the strike to Billy. But in a calamitous finish both he and Hanuman went for leg side hits and were bowled in the space of 3 balls to end the innings. With a player on 27 not and out and seeing the ball well, and 7 overs to go, it's important that Ricky put this kind of shot selection out of mind. There was 150 there to be had with some application and smart thinking. As it was we finished on 129 All Out.

The bowling performance wasn't as bad as it seems, but against such quality batting it was always going to be an impossible task. Indeed the quality of batting now on the top pitch was far superior to that facing the Ricky 1st XI bowlers on the main ground. Billy, Hanuman and Tahir all got the ball to swing, but generally into the middle of the NMCC bats. Batting first, a score of over 250 would have been possible for these guys, maybe nearer 300. The game was over before it began with Qayyum hitting tow fabulous 6's over covers and the safety of the bar was sought.

A good competition for Ricky batsman to pitch their skills against such a good side. And maybe 129 was not so bad in the circumstances. It's hard to believe tougher challenges lie ahead and so, in that regard, it was a good game to play. Great atmosphere as usual throughout and a very friendly spirited game. It's hoped everyone went home smiling.