Downton Downturn for Ricky 2nds

Ricky turned up full of hope for a match against Knebworth Park side who had shown no form over recent weeks at a venue that put Downton Abbey to shame. Knebworth Park. Sadly, looking at the opposition team sheet, there were 10 changes from being skittled last week, including 1st team regular Adam Serjeant. He scored 94 and 79 against Ricky 1st XI last season so his appearance in the 2nd team was not a good omen.

Knebworth Park has hosted all the big names, from Robbie Williams to Liam Gallagher, and now the name of Bobby Choudhry can be added to that list as he lit up the stage with a well-crafted 77. With Ali Abassi (31) and Rohan Lee (35) in supporting roles (think Jason Orange or Noel Gallagher) Ricky were well poised on 130/3, however once the door was opened the usually trusty middle order failed to spark. Eventually Safraz and Azhar combined to put some runs on the board, but a final total of 230 was nothing more than par.

And so it proved as Sergeant Bash (one for the Robot Wars fans out there) racked up 111 to put the game out of sight for Ricky. He gave some chances, but nothing stuck and with the other two batsmen making 41 and 52 the game was never available for Ricky to take hold of.

Ricky slip into the chasing pack now, but another win and they will be back on track. It's proved an up and down season so far for Stefan's tea,