Herts League washout

Eyeing up the terrible forecast but finding that the covers had done their job to preserve a good batting surface, Northchurch won the toss and batted, in the hope of scoring a quick 200 to reach full batting points, then seeing what happened.

They were never to find out as the match was only 29 overs old when finally defeated by the rain. Under grey skies and in light rain, Liveing and Fidler, struck the ball well, while promoted pinch hitter Tom Vila nicked off early, and run machine Tom Garraway chose a good week to get bowled for a golden duck. The star of the incomplete innings was McGiffin, who proved that you don’t need to take risk to score quickly, on his way to 60 not out.

Perhaps the biggest tragedy of the day was that the near-capacity Meadow crowd never got to witness the gammy-toed Hobley try to keep wicket in his sandals.

Hearing news that all other games in the division had been rained off, the captains made a decision to shake hands during the early tea break. Thanks should go to officials Richard Wiggs and David Taylor, who both stood in the rain for a long time in order to get as much cricket in as possible.

With no movement in the league table, Northchurch will head to third-placed Hertford next week, hoping to increase the gap at the top.