Ricky win a low scoring thriller at Baldock

On a wicket that looked as green as a lime, and was just as bitter, the Rick team were inserted and were quickly in trouble when Waheed was adjudged LBW in the second over for 0. Worse was to follow as Bobby didn’t wait to see how the pitch was playing and planted one into the midrift of mid-off and the Kaseer edged a good ball behind to 1st slip who fumbled the ball and the keeper caught the rebound. Ricky were 2/3 in the space of 4 overs and looking down the barrel of a very long gun. The only advantage Ricky had was that the Baldock bowling whilst tight, was not very penetrative, even on a lively turner like this, and Kamran decided to go on the offensive. One maximum he launched into the kiddies paddling area was particularly impressive. However to live by the sword is also to perish the same way and the canny Baldock bowler got his revenge by pushing through a quicker one that cleaned him up for an early bath (not in the kiddies paddling pool though!).

All the while Paul was continuing to push the ball around into gaps and hoping for someone who wanted to stay for a while and keep him company. Brett looked good for 6 before spooning up a catch and Chris Hutch looked the same and the departed in the same way. Oz went for the frenetic ‘run for everything’ approach but missed a straight one and Andy Bird smashed a couple of 4’s a la Kamran before holing out to the covers. Baldock couldn’t believe their luck when Billy scooped up one off his legs and then Ricky gave a third LBW (they only appealed 3 times all game) to dismiss Ricky for a paltry 93. Meanwhile Paul had carried his bat throughout the innings to remain on 26 not out. Once again overs were wasted and if anyone of the lower order batsmen had decided to stick instead of twist a score of maybe 130 or 140 could have been possible. As it was 93 would have to do.

Luckily the tail of the scorpion had been tweaked and Harry and Billy opened with fire in their bellies. Harry with pace knocked over one opening bat, whilst the other charged down the wicket and desposited the ball into the safe hands of Waheed for a duck. Whilst the experienced Shinner hung around, like Blackwell earlier in the day, his batting partners disappeared one by one, with Bobby in particular bowling with exceptional swing and control. 27 for 4 became 34 for 7 and Ricky really had their tails up. Experienced campaigners Lucey and Caxey held back the tide, but like King Canute they couldn’t hold back the waves of Ricky pressure and Isles brought one back the Lucey that took out off stump. The remaining batsmen did their best but in the end 5 wickets for 10 runs by Bobby was the turning point and when Brett induced a nick behind to finish the game it was pretty much a done deal.

This week the bowlers got Ricky out of trouble. But 30 points is all that mattered and it’s onto the next challenge with lessons learned.