A Century, a Michelle and another 30 points

On a wicket that looked like it would have variable bounce and that had moss growing on a length, Lawrence would ideally have liket to have bowled first, however having batted first and won the week before, batting first again wasn't likely to be a problem. Or so Lawrence thought.

After losing two wickets in the first 3 overs (again!) we were struggling on 6-2, however some friendly bowling and some sensible batting by Matin Khan and Shahme Farook, we worked out way out of a tough situation. Shahme played well in his 41 before falling victim to the variable bounce gloving one to slip. Matin also made a more obstinate 41 before feathering a catch behind.

However by the time Matin had departed, Naz, coming in at 5, had already reached 50 including some powerful shots through both off and leg. At 142-4, 170 always looked likely, however a quickfire partnership of 76 between Lawrence and Naz ensured that a good total was going to be set. Naz reached his century in typical style, hitting back to back boundaries before we declared on 247-5.

The opening bowlers did most of the damage, with Liam taking 3 wickets in his first 4 overs and Ajay Bhatia bowling a great spell of outswing which provided 2 catching opportunities, but unfortunately neither was held. Liam then took his fourth wicket to leave Knebworth Park firmly on the back foot at 25-4. However a stubborn partnership of 70-odd then followed before George Downes got the crucial breakthrough with a great ball that was floated up, gripped off the pitch and then clipped the top of off stump. This then opened an end up allowing Shahme to take his first 2 wickets for the club and Liam to complete his 5-for before Chalky's grip #82 accounted for the dangerous batsman in Knebworth's lineup.

Naz (as was only appropriate) then induced a thin edge to give us another 30 points and take us to second in the league.