Ricky coast to first game win against battling Boxmoor

Playing a first game against unknown opposition can always be daunting especially as Ricky U14 start this campaign with a much altered side. New signings Ash and Rahim and Venus were all assimilated into a new stronger batting line-up. But first, the opposition were batting so Ricky took to the field.

A bright start by Ricky saw no extras conceded in the first 7 overs as tight lines from the opening 4 bowlers saw the score kept below 6 an over. Harvey bowled opening bat Hockin in his 2nd over but Low and the impressive Mannering stuck around and fed off anything short or wide. At 55/1 after 10, Boxmoor were well placed to push on. However the impending retirement of the classy Mannering was always going to cause problems. Bilal got some great turn in his 4 overs of leg-spin only to concede a 6 off his last ball. Jai Sodha also deserves a mention for 3 overs for 7. At 96/2 for 4 overs left, Boxmoor should have been looking at 120+. That they were not was down to some exceptional bowling in the last 4 overs from Harbey and Tahir. Harvey took 1-2 in his overs and Tahir 2-7, including a ball so fast it shattered the bail on impact. To give away just 10 runs in total in those overs really turned the game. Also special mention to Mickey Venus behind the stumps who made a huge difference to the Ricky fielding.

Rahim and Mickey opened the batting and didnt hold back reaching 32/0 after 4 overs. Rahim clipping an amazing 6 off his toes. But both departed when some teasing leg spin induced them to hit across the line and get out bowled. Eesa Khan was out in the same way soon afterwards which then brought Harvey and Tahir back together again. These two tyro's have destroyed many an oppositions hopes and expectations over the years. In 2015 Harvey averaged over 100 with the bat and Tahir just under 100. The only disappointment is that both have to retire on reaching a certain number - this year it's 40.

Tahir plundered 3 maximum's, wanting to show off his big hitting, and he fell going for another big hit, caught in the deep for 27. At thsi stage, Harvey had just 6 to his name and Ricky needed another 40 to win. But a combination of working the ball for singles and smashing the occasional boundary once an over saw Ricky home with ease and 23 balls to spare. Harvey was 32 not out and Aaran Patel was 11 not out.

A good start, 30 points ba