Stevenage V's fall short in chase of 190

On our first match of the season, Andy won the toss and decided to field first. Stevenage didn't get any early wickets but managed to keep the run rate tight and in the 13th over managed to force runout number 1 through Dipak Savate and then another one a few overs later through Alan Greenall to get out both the openers. Stevenage continued to bowl tightly until the last 10 overs, where Harpenden used their wickets in hand to go through the gears. In the last 10, Andy Glowdansky got run out number 3, Dipak picked up a wicket and Luke Allen claimed 2, as we were set a total of 190 to chase.
A good start from Ian Welch and Sam Bates put early pressure on Harpenden with no early wickets falling and a good run rate. Their skipper brought himself on and his other main bowler which stopped the flow of runs and Sam eventually fell for 16. Dipak Savate (12) and Chris Welch (6) were next in, and by the time Chris fell, we was 88-3 of 27 overs. Needing 102 of 13 overs, Andy Glowdansky and Ian Welch put on a quickfire 50 partnership in 7 overs, but then the bowling tightened up and stopped the flow of runs. Ian finally fell for 48 trying to play the big shot to keep the game alive, but this then ended our hopes of a great win. Louis Rowley then got out for a duck on his first game for Stevenage, leaving Andy Glowdansky (35no) and Phil Walker (2no) to see off the last couple of overs.

This was a much improved batting performance by the 5's who struggled to pass 150 or bat 40 overs last season. Hopefully this will give confidence for the rest of the season.