Catches win matches. The five that were held, along with some sharp fielding that piled on the pressure and brought two run outs were decisive in Rickmansworth’s victory by eight wickets.
Charlie Bennett shook off Saturday’s five for celebrations to notch up two early wickets and combine with Chris Morris (one wicket) for an early run out. Second change bought on Tony MacDonald-Barker (two wickets) who used the old RAF adage to attack with high bombs out of the sun. Partnered at the other end with Vikram Naicker (three wickets) who use of cutters on a dry pitch to leave the oppo asking if he was seaming or spinning.
With Ben Cutler, Fraser Paterson, Ken Brown, Charlie Bennett and Andy Bird taking the chances that came their way Rickmansworth, after losing several recent games in the field, finally cashed in with the Metropolitan Line CC all out for 70.
With only 17 overs used the teams rolled straight around. Unable to make his maiden 100 in his first Sunday game Fraser Paterson contented himself with bludgeoning 52*, supported by Ben Cutler (3), Jason Phillipson (19) and Andy Bird (1*), inside 9 overs, his last a six which scattered his team mates.
Both teams wanted to make the most of the sunny day so after tea there was time for a quick 10/10 thrash. With the Met Line CC hitting out and Rickmansworth using 10 bowlers this was a tighter affair. Chris Morris hitting a three off of the last ball to tie the game.
The games were played competitively in the right spirit, everyone contributed and enjoyed their day.