Is this really still in Hertfordshire?

With just 8 men taking the field at the outset of the match, it was a bit of a shambolic start. Several catches went down, one spectacular drop and the odd misfield thrown in for good measure. The shambles was repeated at the start of the Village batting too, with 3 run outs in the first 13 overs. A bit messy at times then, but in between the Village 1st XI did more than enough to secure another comfortable Division 9 victory.

A hard and bouncy track was a welcome change from most pitches that have been encountered this season. The opening attack for the Village visitors were their usual handful and picked up the customary early wickets. No Reed batsmen scored more than 23 runs all day and only 1 Village batsmen actually managed to score more than 18. Rory Mcleod's 63, was clearly the standout innings of the match and on paper at least was the difference between the two teams. On a quick pitch and lightning fast outfield there were plenty of opportunities, so the low scores were surprising and disappointing.

3 wickets for skipper Overton, 2 for Darshan Raval and 1 apiece for Andrew Potter and Saahil Mehra, left the hosts at 110 for 7 with some young colts at the crease. The youngsters got themselves set and soon started to take a liking to some of the Village attack. However, George Downes came on and after a poor first over, managed to knock over the tail rapidly, with 3 wickets in 8 balls, leaving Reed all out for 141.

At 58 for 5 (including the 3 runs outs), the Village were wobbling a little but were still favourites. Andrew Potter (18) stayed with Rory long enough to steady the ship but neither could quite take it over the line. Dave Overton and his trusty steed Saahil were both dropped but by then the match was almost won and they managed to knock off the last few runs in the 35th over.