On Friday night we travelled to 100% West Herts, looking to put a dent in their impressive season.

Unsurprisingly we were asked to field in what turned out to be perfect cricketing conditions, the oppressive heat watered down by a welcome breeze. We made a formidable start thanks to a fine spell of bowling from Akein. He breached the defences of two of their top three with killer deliveries. His final figures of 3-1-7-2 were as decent as they look. We were playing a good game, the fielding was tight and the concentration levels sharp. West Herts were never able to fully stamp their authority on the innings and when wickets were needed Radlett produced. Captain Aarav bowled a dangerous spell and finished with 2-14, Zach was the other wicket taker with 2-8 when the final charge was really on. West Herts finished on 127-9 with a heap of run outs in the dying overs. Of note, Aryan took a high pressure catch in the deep, Sahas claimed another, whilst Issa collected a tidy stumping and Aryan, Henry and Sahas all registered run outs.

A satisfactory batting wicket and a firm and spacious outfield meant 128 was well within range. West Herts bowled a strangling opening spell, and we lost Akein (11) as he looked to force the pace. Aarav was joined by Aryan, and with the pressure starting to mount, Aryan stood up. In one particular over he played out five dots before launching the sixth for a glorious maximum, suddenly you felt the game shifting. He played beautifully, adding a second six, and he was eventually out to a fantastic catch at deep mid off for 39. Aarav all the while was going about his innings in his own way, by his high standards he wasn’t at his fluent best, but it was a crucial partnership and as a result the game was in the balance entering the closing overs. Aarav did depart for 21, and having two new bats at the crease put us back on our heels. We were starved off boundaries and despite our very best efforts we entered the last over needing a stiff target of 14. Alas, we fell 6 runs short on a total of 121-6. Despite the loss, this was a performance we could be proud of against high quality opposition.

M.O.M. joint this time around, Akein and Aryan, both had cracking games