Ricky ontop against Chorleywood before Rain stops play

In the 2nd “Simon Dare” challenge match of the season, Chorleywood III’s were pitched against Rickmansworth III’s at Westwood Park. It was going to be a close affair, with both teams separated by just a few points after indifferent starts to the season.

New Ricky skipper Owen Blackwell won the toss and decided to have a bat. The 3rd team was looking a little thin on batting resources but it was hoped that possibly 110 or 120 would be a defendable total. Ken Brown and Rory Cusack opened and both departed in the first 6 overs, whilst the spin of Nigel Tyler kept any scoring opportunities at a minimum. Owen came in at 4 to accompany Mark Raine and whilst Mark dug in like a soldier at Verdun, Owen opened his Account with a couple of boundaries including a huge straight 6. But his inexperience showed as he tried the same shot in the next 2 balls and was clean bowled. Young Alex Lee joined Mark in the trenches and weathered the storm bravely before chipping a catch to mid-on due to the trampoline type pitch. And Mark Raine soon followed trying to break the shackles and only succeeded in playing across the line to a straight one. Ricky were 48 for 5 and all hope looked lost. Especially when Ben Alnutt tried to hit his way out and went for a duck.

If ever there was a man for a crisis then it had to be Neil Burdett. The man who has scored more runs than any other living Ricky player. The man who has played more games (well over 800) and scored more 50’s (31) than any current player. And in his strode to join Andy Bird whose average of 9.2 and record of never having scored a league 50 left no one in the pavilion with much hope.

However Bird and “Burdie” proved to be the perfect foils for each other. At first it was Andy, smashing boundaries whilst Neil held up an end and pushed singles. And then Neil took over scoring 10 off one Rose over and slapping the ball to wherever the fielders were not. A huge 106 runs later – and just 30 short of the club record set in 1939 – Andy got a dribbler along the ground and was out for a personal best, and first League half-century of 74. Following him came Jack Lee who hit 10 runs off the next 4 balls and when Neil Burdett hit a 6 (Ok 2+4) in the final over Ricky had posted an amazing 170/7. Neil finished on 35*

The 2nd half was always going to be an anti-climax as the forecast heavy rain came after just 16 overs with Chorleywood on 38/2. Jack Lee and Brendan Lindsay picked up a wicket each with Ricky hugely on top of the game and looking like taking back the trophy. But it was not to be and owen and Rob shook hands for a draw and a share of the points at 6.21pm.

There will be few more exciting games than this one to watch in 2016 and here’s hoping the 3rd team roll continues into July.