U11 : Ricky beat West Herts again to go top of the table

West Herts pulled out all the stops, in a game they had to win, and brought in a better group of players for Game 2. However it was Ricky who drew first blood, having Asad bowled for 0 in the first over and then Kavindhu bowled in the next. 4/2. But now in was the imprerssive Amar, who played some beautiful left handed shots through the covers and to the leg side. He and Hassan (12) put on 56 for the 3rd wicket before Henry came on to bowl and got them both in the space of 3 balls. Very impressive.

In the meanwhile, although they were scoring runs, WHCC were never accelerating and stayed at 4 an over throughout due to some classy bowling and fielding by Ricky. Josh Iveson on debut bowled well and was unlucky to have a catch dropped off only his second ball in League Cricket. And a final score of 80/4 showed that WHCC had the batsmen but didnt really make much of having a few wickets lost.

As usual Ricky used all 10 players to bowl 2 overs each in a very sporting gesture. Everyone who plays for Ricky 'gets a game'. That is how we do it.

Alec and Aled opened the batting and Aled batted fluently whilst Alec ran well and conserved his wicket. The perfect opening comination. When Aled was bowled, Jack replaced him but he was Run Out for just 3. Henry was dismissed for 2, but Ollie came in and steadied the ship smashing a lovely 9, including a superb back foot driven 4 through the covers. By the 10th over Ricky were just 6 behind the rate and then by the 15th were dead on target needing just 16 off the last 5 overs. However West Herts had a different approach to Ricky and seemed determined to win at all costs. Only 6 bowlers got to bowl 2 overs and Kavindhu and Pranay bowled 4 each. Though perfectly within the rules, it was clear that WHCC were not going to be beaten and threw everything they had at Ricky. Arno was Run out and then Sam was caught in the covers. Finally with6 runs needed Alec's determined defenses were broken and he was bowled for a magnificent 15. Anchoring the innings in perfect Cook, Tavare aor Boycott style. Monty and Joseph were intimidated by the bowling but not acared and they ran 2 quick singles whilst West herts self-imploded, bowling 2 wide balls to finish the game with a ball to spare.

A Rickmansworth win and all the better for the style and honesty of the Ricky lads. Next it is Chorleywood at home on Monday. A stern test for these young lads for sure. But for now they can enjoy being top of the League