Youngsters front and centre for 5ths

Just 12 months after being bowled out for just 12, the 5th team recorded the highest score by this team ever (and one of the clubs highest scores) on a lovely Saturday afternoon at the stunning Graveley cricket ground vs Stevenage 6ths. Much praise to the administrators at Ricky for getting a 5th team out every week, playing some picturesque grounds around the County and also to the lads and Dads and willing seniors who make a game of it. But what a game this week !

Bobby S was making his debut as team captain and won the toss electing to bat without hesitation. The match was agreed to be 35 overs a side due to the heat. Opening the batting were 16 year olds Rayyan and Alec, who were going at almost 10 runs an over to get beyond 80 runs, before Alec was out bowled for a well-made 30. His highest score for the club.

Kevin came in next as was looking in touch after his 60 the week before before a good catch by Stevenage’s best fielder meant he had to leave the crease. Rayyan made great progress with Bobby to his 50 before he retired not out (it was a friendly game). Adil was next in and hit some lusty boundaries before an even better catch by Stevenage’s best fielder left the score at 109 for 3.

Ronesh came to the crease and between him and Bobby put a partnership of 80 before Bobby was out for 20. That did not stop Ronesh who went on to make a 50 before he retired not out with the score 190 for 4 or 27 overs. That means Ronesh averages 99 for the last 2 games.

From then on Ricky really put their foot down on the scoring rate with Robin hard hitting his way to the 3rd Ricky 50 retired not out of the innings. Also his highest score for the club.

More late hitting from Oliver (26), Todd, Ali and Ethan took Ricky to an amazing 294 off 35 overs.

Stevenage needed to score at 8.4 an over to win and the story of the Stevenage innings was all about the youth. 16 year olds Ethan and Ali opened the bowling (which means both innings opened with a pair of 16 year olds - Rickys youth policy coming good) and both kept the scoring down with Stevenage going nowhere. Both Ethan and Ali took wickets in their opening spell with Ethan taking an amazing caught and bowled.

Ollie and Todd came on an kept things tight (oh yes - 2 more 16 year olds!) . Both were unlucky not to take wickets in their spells. Todd went for only 8 runs in his 5 overs. Adil came on and bowled with a mixture of quick balls as well as great off cutters to keep the pressure on conceding only 11 runs in his 5 over spell.

Robin and Rayyan (who swapped keeping with Ollie after the drinks break) both bowled well with Rayyan bowling one of the Stevenage’s batters round his legs with a beautiful leg break.

Finally Ethan and Ali came back and bowled brilliantly to almost bowl Stevenage out. Ethan finished with 4 wickets for 5 runs off his 7 overs and Ali with 3 wickets for 29 runs off his 7 overs.

It was a great team performance with everyone contributing. The mix of youth and senior pros proving that the strength of the 5ths bodes well for the future of the club. Roll on the next match !!!