Ricky finish season with a fine win at Wendover

After a week of promising weather, Saturday started out grey and murky as the scratch Ricky team set off for a season finale against Wendover. The arrival at the ground was electrifying, not least as the strong overhead cables were fizzing as a light drizzle enveloped the ground. But both sides were determined to get the game on. The Ricky team was made up of 3 members of the same family (a feat only achieved by the Riddlestons in recent times), a septuagenarian, a friend of Adeel's and various players from different teams. Wendover looked much the same.

Phil Riddleston opened the batting, for probably one of the few times in his career so far, and looked comfortable before chipping a cover drive to the fielder for 2. Majid announced his arrival with a 4 and then a 6. but couldn't stop playing shots and was caught at mid on for just 11 (off 4 balls). This brought Owen Blackwell to the crease and his increasing maturity showed as he drove and pulled well in support of Ken Brown. Ken was particularly punishing on anything down leg side however one particular cover drive for 4, all along the ground, brought an admiring round of applause as it was reminiscent of Josh Buttler in full flow. Ken had rarely looked more fluent this season so it was a pity he had to depart for 16. Further disappointment followed as Owen got a fine nick to the keeper next over to leave Ricky toppling at 57/4. However Adeel (21) and Paul (24) took the score over 100 before Adeel top edged a pull to square leg.

This however pleased the romantics, as it brought 13 year old Harvey Blackwell to the crease to bat with his Dad for the first time in a Saturday match. Especially when Harvey pulled his first ball for a confident 2 through mid wicket. But the fun couldn't last, as Paul ran himself out (as ever) an over later and then Harvey departed the same way soon afterwards. But fortune favoured the brave, and Ricky's sparkling tail certainly wagged with both Naeem and Bilal hitting maximum's, including 17 off the penultimate over, to see Ricky to a reasonable 154.

Tea was most satisfying and Ricky then set about defending the total. Raj and Billy opened and kept it tight. Followed by the premium bowlers of Phil and Majid. However despite 3 wickets down, the 2 Wendover batsmen were starting to knock quick singles and were easily up with the scoring rate. Poor old Ken was like a string puppet at point taking blow after blow, but always coming up smiling. It was his day in the field. And then after drinks a debut for spinner Harvey. Still Jackson and Holmes ploughed on before Jackson smashed the ball back at Harvey and set off for a single. With just one stump to aim at, Harvey didn't miss and the opener was gone for a good 46. Better was to come as in the next over Harvey turned an off break sharply to dismiss Glazebrook for 5. and Ricky were back in the driving seat. Majid also produced a great run out for Holmes for 36 and the innings of Wendover subsided with Chris Horne bowling 18 balls for just 5 runs in the closing stages.

A game played in excellent spirit, it was a pleasure to be out playing a game in mid September and everyone played a full part in the match. Which is what friendly cricket is all about. Roll on 2017.