In a first game at Little Berkhamsted for many years, Ricky had stiff competition from a team who almost won promotion in Div 8 last year. Not only was the competition stiff but so was the wind, which was gusting across the ground and led to many of the players putting on a third or 4th layer.
Ricky opened with Harvey and Asim, however Baggins had scored a ton last week and was in similar form this week and he and Farner put on 127 for the first wicket. By then, Adeel, Vijay and Murtaza had all had a bowl before Callum got his man for 59. Ken then produced a smart piece of fielding to run out the no 3 without scoring. Prasanth finally got the other opening bat for 73, caught well by Adeel, but he split his finger open in the cold taking the catch and was later unable to bat.
Asim got a wicket when he returned as did Harvey, bowling the captain off stump. but a total of 242 was really high, and meant Ricky had to score at 7 an over from the beginning.
An amazing tea was had, which was Thai Green Curry, Rice, vegetarian carry, popadoms, cake, fruit. probably the best tea ever. But it came at a cost of £60 later...you get what you pay for!
New player Murtaza and Vijay opened the batting and kept the board running along at 5 an over for the first 8. Taz gave way to Vishal who also batted well for his 14. However when Ali Asghar came to the crease it was game on. His first scoring shot was a maximum and he hit 6 in total as the score started to race along. Asghar reached his first half-century for the club and Ricky were on track for a win. However, you live by the sword and so shall you die, and he was caught on the boundary with the score on 154 after 24 overs.
Harvey came in and showed amazing maturity for having just turned 16 this month. His array of shots reminded one of a young Simon Jackson, and one shot in particular, a straight 6, was a joy to behold. Unfortunately he then lost VJ who had been plaugging away at the other end for his 46. Just shy of a new record for himself, a well-deserved 50. But by now the pitch was playing poorly as we were using a very old ball (others had been lost) with inconsistent bounce and he got a scuttler that trapped him stone dead LBW.
Without Adeel to come in next, skipper Paul stepped up, but apart from running quick singles, it wasnt his day and he was out for 9. The required rate was approaching 10, but Harvey continued to strike the ball well and Prasanth also did well with 14 off the last 4 overs. But Ricky ended up 11 short. Another 2 overs and we would have won, but that's limited overs Cricket for you.
Man of the Match would be between Asghar for his 68 and Harvey for his 38. It's great to see two young players take centre stage. Bring on the season