2nds lose close contest on return to competitive cricket

With a number of senior players still making themselves unavailable , Ricky were able to choose a young, though slightly inexperienced 11 to face the might of the newly combined Cheshunt and Waltham Cross Rosedale . The main picture is of the Ricky U10 team of 7 years ago and two of the players pictured, Bilal and Harvey, were in this game. Playing also were Tasal and Hitamsh, both 17, Yash aged 16 and Raunak 18.

The openers and Hitamsh at no3 all got a small start, but at 30/3, it was down to Raunak and Harvey to steady the ship. Wise heads on young shoulders it transpired as both played beautifully in establishing a partnership of 90 in 23 overs. 65% of the scoring shots were singles, which was great to see, as running has often been a downside of the previous 2nd XI's. Raunak fell to a good catch at point and then Harvey was joined by his bigger brother Owen, 21, and he quickly dashed through to his half-century a few balls later.

Owen and Harvey put on a further 70 runs full of running and boundaries, however the bowlers were very experienced at bowing it tight and getting more than 4 off each over was proving a challenge. When Owen fell for 41, AA only had a couple of overs to play with and was run out, with Harvey falling for 79 also off the last ball. 201 seemed a good score, a defendable score and tea was taken al fresco.

Raunak started off wonderfully enticing an edge to the slips, grabbed by Owen and a catch for the keeper to make it 4/2. But this was a Cheshunt team made up of the 1st XI's of the two previous clubs, who were both 5 divisions higher a few years ago. So the remaining batsmen stayed put and looked solid. Nearing halfway to their target, Yash suddenly produced some swing to dismiss the opening bat bowled and then the same with Number 5 for a duck. However once again the experienced heads came to the fore and Cheshunt were cruising to a win.

Later on, Harvey took the gloves from Ali Asghar and both were quickly in the game with Harvey collecting a nick off Raunak and Ali getting two wickets - one caught Owen and the other bowled. But it was all too late as Cheshunt crawled over the line with 4 balls to spare.

With this young team, there is a great foundation. Harvey was the best bat and Raunak the best bowler on either side. A little more experience at the top of the order and another tight bowler and this is a next generation opportunity for us all.