1st XI lose to Bushey on a minefield

I'm not one for excuses, but I'll make an exception on this occasion, where the 1st XI loss was heavily influenced by what can only be described as a cheese grater of a wicket.

On arrival, the wicket at Bushey looked like relatively flat. Having played away to Bushey over the years though, captain Conor Hayward knew that the pitch would not be easy to play on, whether you bat first or bowl first. Having full confidence in our batters setting a good total, he won the toss and elected to bat first.

Unfortunately, the pitch behaved in a manner akin to the pitch at Kingston, Jamaica on England's tour to the West Indies in 1998. Numerous bloody blows off full length deliveries, on top of balls that barely got above ankle height would ordinarily suggest that this wicket was dangerous. Not according to the umpire though and the game progressed with bowlers and fielders all apologising to each batsman that would be dismissed.

There was no rhyme or reason for what the ball would do on any given delivery, no matter where it landed. As captain, I can comfortably say that not one dismissal in the game was due to the Batsman's shot selection or judgement of the game.

Stevenage were bowled out for 84.

In response, Bushey were 3/3 after 4 overs. The batsman were overheard saying that the only way to play the game was to attack every ball and that's what they did. Taking the game away from Stevenage and winning with the loss of only 4 wickets.

Everyone waits all week to play cricket on a Saturday, training hard at nets. It's a shame that Herts Cricket League allow teams to prepare and play on pitches and that mean that ability, work ethic and form is completely null and void.

Onwards and upwards, Holtwhites at home this Saturday. Get the roller out.