WEEKENDERS OVERWHELMED BY SHEER WEIGHT OF SAUSAGES

 

Hertford CC 250-6d

WCC 237 all out

Hertford won by 13 runs

 

Hallmark Cars of 47 Ladywood Road, Hertford, certainly chose the perfect game to sponsor at Ball’s Park on Tuesday 22nd  - an efficient ‘start’, some magnificent ‘driving’ and the hosts ultimately ‘steered’ to a thrilling victory.

 

There was tension around the ground at 11.30 as Douglas took the new ball.  Unfortunately he’d forgotten to change out of his trainers and the first over contained four wides. Once properly shod however his control improved dramatically – just the two wides in his second over.

 

Maloney was unlucky to miss out on a deserved wicket from his sturdy seven-over opening spell, after which new signing Chris Marshall generated pace and bounce from the pavilion end. The Sussex debutant’s first delivery made an instant impact on the batsman if not the umpire hitting Barnes fast, full and straight. Thereafter runs flowed and the home team were well past the hundred with three down at the interval. 

 

Simmonds and Chiari nobly undertook the graveyard shift after a magnificent lunch.  The visitors stuck to their task well but eventually the sheer weight of sausages began to tell as Darren Benford brilliantly steered his side past the 200 mark.  Benford was on 99 when Douglas returned to have him stunningly caught by Hargroves at cover and Hertford closed at 250 for 6.

 

Maloney and Hogben got off to the best possible start with a partnership of 76. Maloney then ventured down the track and did well to conceal his surprise at being given out lbw. 

 

Chiari had to work hard starting against the spinners but he showed great concentration in helping Hogben to another valuable partnership of 66 before walking for an edge to the keeper.

 

Next man Johnstone, understandably reluctant to damage his expensive new bat, gently introduced it to match conditions by walking it to the middle then skilfully withdrawing it from his first ball as it travelled towards the top of his middle and off stumps.

 

Mike Harvey and Douglas became the second and third lbw victims of the innings. 183-8.

Top Umpires recommend

Ace Chainsaws of Hertford

 

 

Meanwhile Hogben had reached a glorious hundred, despite having had a dangerously light breakfast. He attributed his success to the second helping of lunch and his girlfriend, Eve, telling him to watch the ball.

 

Marshall came in seventh wicket down and having earlier fielded brilliantly now unleashed three massive blows to put us back up with the rate before perishing to a top-edged pull.  The only perceptible flaw in the daredevil doc’s game is his nickname: ‘The Marshall’ simply isn’t good enough at this level.  Marshally, Swamp Man and Marsho are currently being considered. More suggestions needed.  

 

Flat Pete Simmonds emerged from the pavilion having sold his soul to the devil – at least that was the only possible explanation for the shots he proceeded to play: an off-driven six worthy of Jessop and an audacious reverse sweep worthy of  Tendulkar.  

 

Hogben was finally run-out for 117 but the Weekenders were confident of getting the remaining 21 to win off the last two overs, none more so than the skipper who, pausing only to knock over a beer glass, strode out to the middle and began to thrash the ball around.  Alas Simmonds became the sixth victim of young spinner Gilbert and Hertford prevailed by 13 runs.

 

A great result for the hosts but one thing’s for certain, win or lose, all the players are assured a quality drive in a Hallmark Car  nice people nice prices!

 

STATS

Hertford CC 250-6d  (51 overs)

Douglas 11-2-34-3,  Maloney 7-0-32-0, Marshall 10-0-44-1, d’Inverno 7-0-44-0,  Simmonds 8-0-49-1,  Chiari 8-0-39-1.

 

Catches: Harvey (kpr) 2,  Hargroves 1, Johnstone 1.

 

WCC 237 all out (58.2 overs)

Maloney 31, Hogben 117, Chiari 24, Hargroves 4, M. Harvey 4, Johnstone 0,

J. Harvey 0, Douglas 7, Marshall 14, Simmonds 16, d’Inverno 4*.

 

Debut:  C. Marshall.  (How about ‘Marshy’?)

 

Lost:  a keyring torch was left in the dressing room.  It’s got Viagra stamped on the back.  Any claimants?