Southgate 268-6 dec - 46 overs
Hertford 254-9 42 overs
We made our annual trip up the A10 on Monday to open Hertford’s Cricket Week with an all day game for the Hertgate Trophy. The Hertgate Trophy was presented by our very own Bob Cole in 1995, to celebrate the hundredth meeting between the two clubs and it was great to see Bob there on Monday to catching up with many of his old Hertford mates.
Once our team has been scooped up from Hertford North Station in Jezcabs and Sammy had completed his two hour drive from leafy Surrey (great effort!), James duly lost the toss but fortunately was asked to bat. Perhaps the oppo had seen our two Aussies warming up and fancied a chase? Hugh and Liam tucked into the opening bowlers adding 91 before Liam overbalanced and was tidily stumped. Kazi, Rehaan and James all played breezy cameos before falling to the experienced Ross Murphy bowling a clever mix of swing and seam off the wrong foot. Vivek joined Hugh just before lunch (a very enjoyable chicken and salad combo, followed by chocolate brownie) and post lunch they pushed the score along at a steady rate. Viv departed for a well-earned 36 before Hugh completed his century, moving on to 128 before losing his wicket in the final late push for runs. Captain James decked at 268-6 off 46 overs.
Pasoon and James opened up and both bowled well on a pitch which had become a bit two paced. P made one or two fly through and was unlucky to go wicketless. James broke the deadlock with a classic away swinger, bagged by the old man at first slip. Hertford’s second wicket added an aggressive 53 before Conway Abell was very well caught at fine leg by Rehaan, off the bowling off Viraj. Aaryan Kotecha bowled well on his 1st XI debut before being replaced by Sammy. Sammy took 3 wickets in a tidy 9 over spell and with Kazi taking 3 wickets at the other end, a win looked probable with Hertford 205-8.
Like the Ryder Cup, only a win would see the Hertgate Trophy regained and some dogged lower order resistance, saw Hertford hang on for a draw at 254-9 and retention of the trophy.
A great effort all round, with contributions from everyone. Thanks to all for playing, well batted Hugh and Viv, well bowled and fielded all and as always thanks to Hertford for hosting us so well.
https://southgate.play-cricket.com/website/results/7568973
Jez