Development Team v Berkhamsted

This was our first development team game which is a new format introduced by the ECB to encourage more junior players into adult cricket. Our side for the game included Nigel Wellsbury (Captain), Martin Benfield and Paul Fletcher (Fletch) as the playing adults and Euan Rigarlsford, Jack Fletcher, Josh Burnard, Josh Griggs, Rory Hayes, Kieron Lendon, and Charles and Max Waddington.

Having won the toss, we went into bat with Euan and Paul Fletcher (Fletch) opening. It was clear from the outset that we were playing a very strong Berkhamsted side and their opening two bowlers took three very early wickets. Nigel, Rory, Martin, Josh B, Josh G, Charles, Max and Kieron all batted well to steady the score with Nigel and Martin both retiring with fine scores of 30 and 32 respectively. Each of the juniors contributed well too with fine fours a piece and a great six from Josh Burnard. Euan and Jack returned for the last few overs and both batted really well to increase our score to 188. A fine innings from all the team against a very strong bowling attack.

Kieron and Josh Burnard opened our bowling with both taking wickets and everyone contributing to a fine fielding display.

This was a narrow loss and each of the juniors playing should be very proud of how they played, many playing in their first senior game and we look forward to them playing in other development games this season. Many thanks to the lads of Euan Rigarlsford, Jack Fletcher, Josh Burnard, Josh Griggs, Rory Hayes, Kieron Lendon, and Charles and Max Waddington for playing and also Nigel, Martin and Fletch for their support, guidance and encouragement to all the lads. It was also great to see so many parents there and thanks for your support and especially Adam Rigarlsford for scoring.