Schild 100, Hart (C) 1

TMCC win a tense finale at Letchworth.

A team comprising players drawn from the squads of all Saturday, and Sunday sides, and some under-15s, made the way to a superb ground in Letchworth. Not the ground in Hitchin somebody thought we were playing at.

Captain Ahsan won the toss and chose to field in this 40 over affair. The bowling was opened by Jonny Lubin and Rudra. The latter was the first to strike getting one of the openers caught (just about) by Ahsan at gully. He would take a second wicket later on clipping the bails as he fired up the revs. Batsman number 3 was caught by Clive (the author of this report - editor, Steve) who was keeping wicket, off the bowling of Jonny Lubin.

Letchworth started to pile on the runs, via opener N Sprittles and LGCCC's 2nd XI skipper. Ahsan turned to debutant Chris Squires, a new member, to bowl. His first ball, fairly wide of off stump, was edged behind where Clive took a diving catch just getting his glove under the ball. Quit while you're ahead was the cry!

Gayan Fernando, a very welcome returner to the club, had Preston caught by George Sheehan. Meanwhile N Sprittles carried on serenely, often walking down the track to all and sundry, and reached an excellent 100 before retiring in a very sporting gesture.

Both Adnan and Felix helped keep the Letchworth score down to 211 by bowling very economical spells. Rudra with 2-28 from his 8 was the most successful bowler, and the fielding, most notably by Andrew Shoreman and Chris Squires, was excellent.

Nick Schild and George opened the batting. George clumped a nice boundary but was out for 5 and was replaced by Ahsan. The new Third XI captain batted excellently (especially considering that he was fasting for Ramadan) and reached 28; the partnership with Nick had us racing along at nearly 10 an over at one point.

The dismissal of Ahsan saw a number of batters come and go cheaply. Nick however batted superbly and showed what a force he will be in the Second XI this season. Nick reached his 100 (off 85 balls - he had to slow down as wickets fell at the other end!) and following the example of the Letchworth opener promptly retired. At 167-7 with 11 overs left we honestly thought we were looking at an honourable defeat, but that was to reckon without the young firm of Rudra and Felix, both now genuine all-rounders.

The two went about knocking off the remaining runs. However Rudra (22) was caught off a poor ball meaning Clive had to come in and try and get us over the line.

Clive, a very reluctant batter, was fresh from a net session with Ben Howgego that morning where he had been striking well. By his standards. A conversation took place in the middle between the 48 and 14 year old batsman regarding farming the strike. It was agreed that the senior batsman needed to face the lion share of the remaining deliveries. And so it was young Felix (22*) who took control and knocked the ball around and eventually won the game with a boundary. For the record Clive faced only 2 balls ending up on 1 Not Out.

Apart from the win and some great individual performances, perhaps the most pleasing element was bringing together players who had not played together before and see them form so effortlessly into a unit. All offered a warm welcome to new member Chris Squires who showed he will have plenty to offer the Club. Credit to all for that.

Meanwhile Steve ran a few errands and tried not to interfere.