On another sweltering day at the Meadow, a vital toss was won by skipper Steve Bateman.

Northchurch CC 2nd XI opening pair Richard Reid and Michael Buttleman took to the crease to get the innings underway against Hemel Hempstead Town CC 4th XI, following a comprehensive victory in the reverse fixture early on in the season.

The pair started well, reaching 36 in the first 6 overs of the innings, before Reid departed LBW to a left-arm in-swinging delivery. Buttleman and Harry Bennie continued the momentum, the pair reaching 73 before Bennie was caught behind on 16.

A wobble in the middle order followed, with Buttleman falling to a faint edge on 34. A subsequent string of wickets left the home side 130 for 8 at the second drinks break. However, spirits were stiffened by some excellent rearguard hitting from Matt Dawson, Noah Clifford and Jonny Hopkins, who took NCC to a respectable, albeit below-par, 170.

After Tea, Jonny Hopkins and Noah Clifford were handed the new ball and were on the money from the get-go—conceding just one run per over in the first 6 overs before the first wicket fell to Clifford. The wicket tally was then rapidly doubled following a miscued pull shot and sharp work from Matt Dawson to complete a run-out.

Smelling blood, Hopkins continued to tear down the hill in search of poles. His efforts were rewarded as the Hemel skipper flashed hard outside off, the ball flying into the "bucket hands" of Stephen Meager at gully. The two openers took us into the drinks break with HHTCC reeling at 38-5.

Incredible Opening Spells:

• Jonny Hopkins: 8-2-13-2
• Noah Clifford: 8-3-14-3

From drinks, NCC continued to apply the pressure with tight spells from Dylan Cohen and Harry Bennie, backed up by an impactful 7-over spell from Matt Dawson—who finished with 4/18. The final man was dismissed as Hemel were reduced to 99 all out.

4 points clear of third-place Old Eastcotians, the 2s head into an away clash with Boxmoor full of confidence.