On a glorious bank holiday Monday morning we travelled to Watford Town for our final assignment of the season.

The pitch was hands down the driest seen in a very very long time, best described as sub continental. Aarav called correctly and had no hesitation in reaching for his pads. If was a pace bowlers nightmare, the uber fast outfield meant anything off centre was despatched ruthlessly to the boundary. Aarav (25*) and Akein (27*) were quick to capitalise and Watford’s bowlers were given no time to settle, both played some glorious shots as each raced to retirement in rapid time, facing 16 balls apiece. Elliott (24 from 15) and Henry (14 from 10) continued from where they left off, striking the ball cleanly. At halfway we had amassed 105, with 200 very much in our sights. Post drinks, our 12 year old debutant, Aryan, batted might impressively as he again took every scoring opportunity, retiring with 25 off 16 balls. Adi (25), with the help of Dylan (6) and Arihant (3*) got us to 183-4, as he was run out off the final ball, attempting a non existent third run.

183 was certainly good but in these in conditions no target was impossible. Watford got off to a flyer and at 52-1 off the first five overs it was game on. However, once their dangerous opener retired on 30, having cleared the ropes for a second time, Radlett wrestled back full control of the game. Runs were squeezed and our fielding was sharp and determined. Wickets began to accumulate, and from one end in particular, the bounce was steep and the turn appreciable, which made the likes of Akein (0-4), Elliott (0-8), Aryan (1-5) and Aarav (1-10) a handful to play. Victory was secured long before the final ball of the day was bowled as our hosts finished on 125-6. The other wickets were shared between Rohan N (1-14), Arihant (1-13) and Adi (1-12), as well as a run out from Dylan K. Catches were taken by Aryan and Aarav. A very enjoyable morning’s cricket and a great sign off for 2025.

M.O.M. There were simply too many performances worthy of the award, so it’s a collective MOM for all 11 boys that represented Radlett today. Well done!