Comfortable victory puts 3s back on track

The Village 3s travelled to Hitchin and enjoyed some first class new facilities. A multi-million pound, multi-sport clubhouse facility has replaced the temporary arrangements of the two previous seasons. Needless to say, the 3rd XI felt right at home in such plush surroundings and having been asked to bowl first, immediately set about dismantling the hosts top order. The top 3 batsman mustered just 7 runs between them as they limped along at barely a run an over for the first 8 or so overs. Tommy Smith dismissed all of the top 3 in his opening spell of 3-19 from 6 overs. The first to fall was an old pro left hander who could not believe that he been bowled around his legs by a big hooping delivery. Tommy had the ball swinging impressively throughout. His opening partner Alam Khan bowled with excellent control and penetration as always, finishing with 1-16 from his 8 overs.

Hitchin were very much on the back foot and looking to re-build. Which they did for a time. The middle order brought some respectability to the score with No.4 & 5 contributing 20 odd each and the No.6 ending up 39 not out as he ran out of partners. The tail were rather blown away as all the bowlers asserted pressure and most getting rewarded. Mo Salahudeen (2-15), Inthi Mazeez (2-10), Joe Sheridan (1-12) and Matthew Hawkes (1-24) all joined the party. In the middle of the collapse, the Village skipper managed to effect a text book inner circle swoop to run out the poor No.8 batsman before he had even faced a ball. The Hitchin innings ended in the 35th over with the score at 115 all out. Tea was enjoyed!

Any fears following recent batting woes were soon dispelled by Captain Phil Smith, who shared 1st and 2nd wicket stands of 40 and 25 respectively with Joe Sheridan (13) and Inthi Mazeez (15). When Mo Salahudeen joined the skipper to crash a swift 30 from about as many balls the match was over as a contest. Or was it? The score was 107 for 3 at this stage and only 9 runs were needed for victory. Somehow the Village managed a major wobble and lost 4 wickets for just 8 runs. Phil Smith among them, after being so watchful for so long, he tried to bring up his 50 and end the game with a flourish but only ended up skying a catch and being dismissed for 49.

The Village lower order limped over the line with a massive 14 overs to spare. A wide ball secured the victory, much to the hosts dismay. 30 fairly comfortable points secured in a game which the Village dominated from start, to almost the finish.