Northchurch were put in by Bishop’s Stortford after rain delayed the start and shortened the game to 35 overs per side. Rob Channon anchored the innings, while Gaz and Hobes provided some fireworks at the end to post 181. Tight Northchurch bowling kept scoreboard pressure on the home team, which led to four run outs as the Essex men fell 30 short. The win extended Northchurch’s lead at the top of the table as second placed Hoddesdon fell short against Dunstable. However, the gap remains slender and the sides could switch places next week, when they meet each other at the Meadow.

Jevelin puts Knebworth to the sword

The game was played on an uncharacteristically sticky wicket after heavy rain leaked under the Northchurch covers overnight. Thankfully, the ground was playable in time for the scheduled start of play and Captain Jack won an important toss against a struggling Knebworth Park. Javelin Dave was the pick of the bowlers with 4 four wickets, though conceding 18 from his nine overs, was the most expensive! Knebworth were all out for 46 as wickets were shared around the rest of the attack, none of whom went for more than 1 per over. The runs were duly chased down just a few minutes after the first XI game had started.

Sunday XI v The Lee

Moughty was keen to even the score against The Lee, who had racked up some serious runs at their place, way back in April. Unfortunately, this time they put on 320 for 2! This probably put the game out of reach for Northchurch, but they gave the target a good go, with Skid Mark Raklyeft and Harry Chapman making half centuries in a commendable response of 260.

Academy XI v Chorleywood at The Common

Chorleywood’s U15s were too strong for an Academy XI which included a mixture of U13s, U14s and U15s. Batting first, Wood racked up 140 from their twenty overs. U13s Will, Raj and Elliott all picked up nice wickets, with Ellis bowling well at the death to swing a little momentum back Northchurch’s way. Three wickets up top for Wood’s very handy leg spinner meant the Northchurch innings was never going to threaten the target but Raj and Ben restored pride with some sensible batting in the middle order. Our next match is against West Herts, who promise to provide another tough test.

Results

Thur: Academy XI Away V Chorleywood U15 – LOST Match Report

Sat: 2nd XI Home v Knebworth Park 3rd XI – WON by 9 wickets
1st XI Away v Bishop Stortford – WON by 35 runs - Match Report

Sunday XI Home v The Lee – LOST by 60 runs

Fixtures This Week

Wed: Senior training

Sat: 1st XI Home v Hoddesdon 2nd XI
2nd XI Away v Old Cholmeleians 2ndXI

Sun: Academy XI Home v West Herts U15s 10am
Sunday XI Home v Ebury Strollers 1300