Duck, duck, duck, goose.

On what looked like a terrible day for cricket, the 1s made the journey to Rushden and Higham knowing that the home side would likely want to fashion a game of sorts. The weather cleared in the early afternoon, and a 38 over game starting at 2.30pm was declared.

In what is becoming a rare occurrence, the skipper lost the toss and we were invited to bat. What followed can only be described as one of the most bizarre scorecards in recent history.

With 8 scores of 1 or less, 7 of those being 0, it would seem unlikely that a defend-able total could be set. The middle order, thankfully, had other ideas. Ryan Turner, on return from an enforced long absence, made a brisk counter-attacking 47 at number four, which then set the stage for numbers 5 and 6, Harry Dube and Will Smith. They put on a very mature partnership of 83, with Harry eventually out for 63 (his maiden HHCC fifty) and Will an equally important 39. The lower order then put on a fine display of dominoes and we were all out for 158.

The Knibbs brothers opened the bowling in Rushden and Higham's response. At 97-1 in the tenth over, it seemed that we were in for an early trip home. Some attacking batting from the opposition couple with some under par bowling meaning the runs required were down to just 62 in 31 overs.

The introduction of leg spin from Elijah Glover coupled with pressure from captain Will Knibbs (12 overs 3-53) meant that Rushden and Higham were reduced to 154-7 from 26 overs. Suddenly, it looked like we could sneak a win, with each opposition batsman looking less likely to stay for too long. When Will Smith produced a nip backer to dismantle the stumps and take the 8th wicket, the tension grew.

Unfortunately, the opposition got home by two wickets, but the passion and effort in the field was the best the 1st team has seen for a number of years and there is no reason, if we perform like that in all of our games, we cannot be successful. It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of.
Elijah Glover finished with a fine 3-27 off his 8 overs.

Next week we are at home to Oundle.

#onehouse #hundee