Hertford 4th XI Beat Cheshunt Rosedale 3s by 30 runs

Cheshunt-Rosedale bowled well and backed up by some outstanding catching soon had Hertford 40/5. An attacking field was set and the prospect of an early tea looked uncomfortably possible. Rich Eaton and Connor Ives, realising the gravity of the situation, set about restoring some respectability to the scoreboard.

As the partnership began to grow the fielders began to spread. Connors timing and placement matched by Eaton’s bludgeoning back over the bowlers head (although he did describe one 6 as ‘a proper cricket shot’). Eaton eventually fell for 61 with the total on 173. Connor went on to 86 not out and the Hertford total 204. More than respectable and a psychological blow to a deflated opposition.

The openers set about the chase and soon had the scoreboard showing 50/0 in spite of some tidy bowling from Bartlam and Giblett. The skipper’s medium pace joined the attack and help slow the run rate but with only one wicket falling to Ives the total moved on to 100 off 20 overs and Rosedale-Cheshunt had very much swung the momentum back in their favour. Introduction of offspin from Ugen Gounder saw 3 boundaries in the first over but a slightly shaken Ugen composed himself, bowled a maiden and went on to take 2/37.

With the pressure still on, the accurate bowling of Ives (4/35) removed the middle order and assisted by Pete Amos (2/20) completed the 40 allotted overs with Rosedale-Cheshunt on 174/8. Wicketkeeper Carl Igolen-Robinson kept the batsmen pinned to the crease throughout the innings and tidy fielding kept the pressure on. Ultimately though, the difference was the depth of the Hertford batting and the excellent partnership between Ives and Eaton.

Next game is at home against Bushey 3.

Written by Dave Benham.