1s perish in the cold

Reflective of the meteorologically palindromic nature of the cricket season, Saturday's match was played in the middle of storm 'Hannah'. One senior player made the mistake of only packing four or five sweaters. U14 Jude turned up with none, though proved, bared armed, that he was made of stern stuff as, along with Ollie and Woods, he discharged fielding duties with courage and great effect in the first half of the game.

After an early onslaught of hitting from Knotty Green, with Darren the only bowler to break through, Northchurch regained control. Harry B found some rhythm after a change of ends and lion-maned Hobley reduced the tempo from the rec end with his darts into a stiff gale. U14 Woods grew into his work and proved versatile, bowling his 8 overs in three spells from alternating ends. The captain was unlucky to go wicketless and paid a handsome price for the chances. The visitors finished on 220/7 from 40 overs.

In reply, Northchurch got off to a fine start on a pitch which offered none of the early season encouragement a bowler might expect. Simon Wheeler, in his first appearance for a number of years, got off the mark with a beautifully picked up pull shot which settled the nerves and let Knotty know that they were in a scrap. At the other end, Spud Smart looked like he hadn't had a winter and set about anything loose with characteristic vigour. After the perfect start, both openers fell to the change bowlers, Wheeler to his nemesis- the spinners- and Spud in order to avoid buying a jug. BJ and Mike James steadied the ship and set up the chase nicely. 98/2 at drinks.

However, drinks did their job for the visitors, who removed BJ for a well compiled 20 straight away, and Mike soon after. Jude (19) and Mufasa Hobley combined to set a platform for the last 10 overs, but both fell when trying to move the score along. A flurry of wickets fell as Northchurch chased the run rate and we finished 30 short on 190/9.

It was fantastic to see the effort in the field from Ollie, in his first senior match, tenacity from Woods to get through his overs against a competent batting line up, and composure from Jude in the middle order. Everyone got the leg-stretch they were after but hope for warmer climes on derby day next week. Berko, 1s away and 2s at home.