When Northchurch found themselves on 79 for 5 at drinks and needing another 135 at seven-an-over, some thoughts had turned to accumulating batting points rather than chasing the win.

Earlier in the day, Northchurch’s bowlers had reduced the visiting Old Minchedenians to 55 for 5, making it look like it might have been a good toss to lose. However, the Enfield side’s middle-order strung a couple of very sensible partnerships together to get them to 214.

Northchurch felt that this might be 20 or 30 light on such a good pitch and fast outfield, but facing a mountain to climb at the half way point in the chase, it looked like the visitors' gamble to bowl both openers through their spells might have paid off.

Critically, Harry Bennie and Mike James were not interested in playing for points. The pair steadied the ship, with each man making a contained start to get himself in and seemingly not feeling the scoreboard pressure.

The Minchendenians’ change bowlers were disciplined but offered more to hit and occasional boundaries kept Northchurch’s innings ticking.

The introduction of spin from the pavilion end was the opportunity to turbo charge the chase. Having waited patiently for something to pounce on, Mike completely ignored the three fielders between long on and mid-wicket to nail three huge sixes into the pavilion and reach his fifty a couple of balls ahead of Bennie reached the landmark himself.

What followed was a once in a generation spectacle. Through the contrasting styles of brilliant partnership batting by Harry and a brutal dismantling of a bowling attack by Mike, the required rate, having tipped eight plus, came tumbling down. With Mikes’ second fifty coming off just 20 balls, Northchurch quickly moved from in-the-game, to favorites, to crusing over the line with four overs to spare.

This brilliant unbeaten stand of 159 eclipses the previous 2nd XI 6th wicket record partnership and will doubtless be remembered as an ‘I was there' moment.

Mention should be made of the Old Minchendenians, who were an utter joy to host, gracious in defeat and stayed for a few drinks despite an hour long drive home. We look forward to the return fixture, though we are not sure if we can accommodate their request to play it back at the Meadow!