Hertford CC (25/07/2023) 

Result: MATCH DRAWN

 

‘IT’S ALL IN THE MIND’ AS HOGBEN’S’ POSITIVE APPROACH SECURES THE DRAW AT HERTFORD

 

Hertford CC 253 for 7 dec (50.5 overs)

M.Ives 74, A. Hossain 34

M. Orwell 6-2-10-0, Sharma 11.5–0-68-1, Douglas 8–1-30-2, Sackville 6–0-30-0, J. Orwell 5–1-27-0, S.Dunne 2-0-5-0, B.Husaini 7-1-36-0, M.Husaini 3-0-25-0,  Hudson 2-0-10-1

Extras 26          

Catches: Sackville

Runouts: M. Husaini, Carter, Sackville

 

WCC 176 for 6 (45 overs)

Twigg 13, M.Husaini 28, Carter 5, Dunne 0, Hogben 70 not out, M. Orwell 5,  B.Husaini 34, Hudson 0 not out

DNB -   H. Husaini, Douglas, Sackville + Sharma, J. Orwell, 

Extras 12

F. Cordiani 2-43

 

 

After previous wash-outs and no-shows, WCC were determined to assemble a sporty squad to take on Hertford CC during their annual cricket-week. 

Hertford have been perennial opponents for decades, but with just two victories in the last 22 years, only a positive mindset could succeed. 

 

Hertford batted first, in pursuit of their customary 250 total. They lost opener Nick Horton early-doors through the first of two run-outs perpetrated by fellow-opener Hossain. After a tight opening spell by Bhuvan and Mikey, Hertford were 32/1.  Freddy Carter lanced the ball in to run-out Beardsley in the 13th over as Hossain left the non-striker stranded once again, and Duggo pinned the villain LBW in the 16th, just as Hertford had brought up their 50 run total. 

 

Sackville & Douglas kept things tight, until replaced by the slow bowlers. Dunne’s shoulder niggle curtailed his action after two overs. But there followed an incredibly mixed bag from James Orwell and the Husaini twins, all showing a bit of understandable ring-rust, alongside some outstanding deliveries.

 

Hudson continued his ‘psi-ops’ approach to bowling with a mixture of the tempting and the truly bizarre, but still winding up with a pole! 

Sharma took a bit of beasting in the closing overs but got his man with a perfect yorker to conclude the Hertford innings at 253/7 from 51 overs. 

 

Lunch was served in the marquee; a sportsman’s spread of grilled chicken and roasted veg. More psychological nudge tactics were possibly at play as one the serving staff sported a fetching green unitard, presumably to subconsciously persuade Steve Dunne to eat his salad? 

 

The ‘Enders began their response with Twigg and Max Husaini both looking assured against decent bowling. They made it to 22 from 9 overs when Twigg was caught in the ring for 13, and Carter suffered a similar fate. Steve Dunne was adjudged LBW first ball to complete a game to forget for our Derbyshire talisman. All this brought Graham Hogben to the crease who played a vintage innings with all his best shots; the punched on drive, Ponting-esque pull shots from the quicker bowlers, powerful sweeps against the spinners.  He was joined by Blake Husaini, who, driven by a burning desire to outscore his brother, kept Hogben company with intelligent stroke play all round the ground for a partnership worth 82. Hoggers hit 14 boundaries in a chance-less 70 not out from 99 balls to keep WCC in the contest. 

 

Hertford gave up on the hunt for wickets after 45 overs, with WCC 78 runs short of a winning total but securing a creditable draw.