2nds win again in amazing finish

They say lightning doesn’t strike twice in the same place. Well hold that thought, as for Rickmansworth 2nds a second miracle followed last weeks 1 run win, as they somehow recovered from 43/5 and 84/7 to score another 113 runs off the next 90 balls, to win the game.

As Ricky collapses go, this season has brought it’s fair share and when Azeem (0), Stefan (7), Bobby (11), Callum (11) and Fizzy (1) were all back in the hutch by the 19th over, it was odds-on that Ricky were going to capitulate against a Bovingdon side who had only won once this season. Safraz put on his usual show with a sturdy 19, but only Waheed, recalled to the side to stiffen up the middle order, remained of the recognised batsmen when Bilal fell to an LBW shout for 0.

Surely there was no hope for Ricky…or was there. Waheed averaged 16.7 with the bat for Ricky, and so anything above that was a bonus. Could Ricky reach 100? Shiv knows which end of a bat to hold and he proved the perfect foil for a motivated Waheed as they set about an aggressive approach. Over 29 went for 7, Over 30 went for 11, and in over 31 the ton was reached. The next 3 overs went for 35 before Shiv was bowled for 20. 135/8. Now 62 needed.

At the same time, Joe Root and England wicket-keeper Ben Foakes were trying to score the 100 England needed to beat NZ, and now Ricky keeper, Fred Maggi joined Waheed at the crease. Fred’s previous best for Ricky was 19. But he does have grit and determination and a willingness to run hard. Which is just what he and Waheed did for the next 10 overs. Amazingly 2 runs was the most popular run for the next 60 balls, followed by singles. It wasn’t bish-bash-bosh cricket, but cricket of the highest quality.

The opposition didn’t know what to do and the 45th over went 1-2-1-1 and then a crashing 4 to the boundary by Waheed and the game was won. A huge crowd of onlookers cheered the most amazing of victories as Waheed finished with 91* and Fred 23* to complete an astonishing turn-around in the game. If you were there, you will never forget it.

Earlier in the day, Bovingdon, who only 4 years ago were playing Ricky 1st team, put up a decent 196/8 with their quality batsmen both making half-centuries. Fizzy took 3-33 and Safraz 2-43, whilst the wily foxes, John and Azeem, only conceded 64 runs off their 20 overs to keep the score in check.

Who knows what next week against Old Finch’s will bring, but you can bet it will be exciting….