Lack of runs prove costly

Potters Bar 2nd XI put in a disappointing batting display against local rivals Old Finchleians on Saturday but showed character with the ball is a home defeat. Skipper Greg Hodge lost the toss and was immediately inserted on a flat looking Walk wicket.

Bar got off to the worst possible start as Tom Pett was bounced out in the second over for 0. Adam Norman joined Mike Palmer at the crease, Norman who was batting with a broken finger looked severely restricted and scratched around for single figures. Bar were soon 12 for 2 as Norman was caught behind. Youngster Adam Titmuss found Finchleians bowling a little more testing than his previous outings in the 2’s. He hit two boundaries a few singles before his off stumped was knocked back for 11.

Bar then experienced their only stable moment in the game with veteran Palmer and Tom Coughlan holding the fort. Finchleians spinners had now replaced their seamers and were stifling the run rate. Palmer finally fell for 37 in the 30th over and from there Bar’s innings fell away with only Coughlan showing any resistance.

Mark Taylor was bowled for 0, Dave Pett fell for single figures, and Charlie Hodge hit a 6 and a 4 but was bowled for 11. Luke Owers and Paul Martin then fell on consecutive balls, leaving Bar 120 for 9. Coughlan had no choice but the try and hit Bar to reasonable total, but was last man out caught behind for 42.

Bar needed to keep things tight and take quick wickets, sadly neither really happened. Adam Norman hampered by his broken finger bowled two expensive overs and after four overs Finchleians were 30 without loss. Hodge introduced himself into the attack and immediately drew an edge from Finchleians’ keeper, who for some reason was reluctant to leave the wicket. Bar then had to wait for their second breakthrough despite Hodge bowling some probing deliveries and the returning Mark Taylor bowling tightly at one end.

Hodge replaced himself with Owers in the hope spin would bring a wicket, however Owers went for 21 in two overs. As a last throw of the dice Hodge made a double changing introducing his brother Charlie and the off spin of Coughlan.

Hodge junior struck first ball and proceeded to bowl an aggressive spell that result in figures of 4 for 18. Finchleians were at one stage 111 for 2 but, somehow Bar put the cat amongst the pigeons, with Owers holding a good catch off Coughlan. Hodge then picked up his second wicket with Taylor holding a fine catch at slip.

Two quick full deliveries picked from Hodge saw stumps go flying and suddenly Finchleians were 120 for 6. Coughlan took a fine caught and bowled and Finchleians were looking worried. Their number 11 who had already showered and changed was forced to scamper back to his car to change back into his whites. With the scores levels Hodge dropped a hard chance caught and bowled and Finchleians were home. Bar in the end dropped four catches, two of which were very hard, but these fine margins could have won the game.

Greg Hodge was reasonably upbeat after the game: “We managed to run the close, shame we gave a away so many runs at the beginning, but in truth we didn’t get anywhere near enough runs. Tom and Mike were the only batters to put up any resistance. Charlie has bowled very well and let’s hope he can repeat the performance at Welwyn next week, which is a massive game for us.”

Greg