2012 – The year that the rains came down

There never seem to be dull seasons at Balls Park and 2012 new nets but when it comes to maintenance of them then was no exception. Back in April the club had hopes that the funding is suddenly impossible to find. Discussions were 1st XI would consolidate on their third position of 2011 in the under way with the Hockey Club about yet another pavilion HCPL, the seconds would at last get promoted out of division extension. This move was driven by the Hockey Club as they 4, the threes would bounce back from division 7 while the had great need of changing accommodation suitable for fourths and fifths would consolidate and bring on the next ladies and men. They were now running nine sides, five men crop of youngsters. Some of you will also remember that back and four women, plus a range of colts teams. in April there were serious fears that games would have to be Hopes that Michael Bailey would return for another cancelled because the pitches would be unplayable due to season with Hertford were dashed when he was selected for the drought restrictions. We lodged an appeal for special an indigenous Australian side for a tour of India. In the event dispensation but to no avail. Unless we were staging the dates did not clash but Hertford were left looking for a international matches we would not be allowed to water the replacement. Another youngster, Dane Crognale, from the square. same stable, was engaged and he joined the club in early In the event many games were cancelled (40 across May. He was soon confronted with pitches a far cry from the elevens) but these were due to the monsoon that struck those he would have been accustomed to in Western after the drought restrictions were applied and which stayed Australia. until August only to reappear and drown the final games of The first eleven were given a boost with Ollie Ray in the season. There was a brief respite when in July a glorious great form with the bat. The pre-season friendly against week of dawn to dusk sunshine coincided with Cricket Week. Harpenden was a convincing morale boosting win but Was it a coincidence or were there other forces at work? confidence was soon dented when the Wandering Crows – a Whichever it was the club took full advantage of the glorious new fixture – restricted Hertford to 150-7 in a 40-over game week and really had a great time. and strolled home. Ray’s form deserted him in the first The year got off to a bad start with the loss of a competitive game of the season when Hertford were number of Vice Presidents and ex-members. Roy Beagles outplayed in the CCC Cup tie with Harrow St. Mary. The (VP) had departed the previous November, In February weather, now very wet, relented when the league programme Derrick Sharp and Martin Leach (VP) passed on, both in started but it was still very cold. North Mymms obviously Devon. The following month Bob Simms (VP) died. Bob had thought that runs were not that essential against Hertford and attended the previous year’s VP lunch despite failing declared on reaching their 4th batting point with 257-4. This eyesight. Later in the year his partner captain of the 2nd XI of gave them an extra couple of overs should they require them. the 50s, Cecil Hudson succumbed to a painful illness. Cecil, a They didn’t. After an opening stand of 70 between Crognale Life Member, had been involved with the club right to the end. and Joyce the remaining batsmen meekly surrendered to W.G. (Bill) Anderson, a VP and a stalwart of St. Mehta and Wynne and Hertford just managed 100. Though Margaretsbury CC and Eileen Mills, widow, of past president this earned them a point, it could hardly have been called Harold Mills made September a particularly sad month for the batting. Old rivals Hoddesdon were next up and the club. As the season got under way a bench was presented to peculiarities of the 110 over game were exposed when the club in memory of John James who had died a year Hertford went into lunch at 146-3. This would have been earlier. His family came to the club and everyone reminisced considered a good position but for the fact that Hoddesdon about the popular, charismatic, character. had bowled 41 overs. The next 19 had to produce a lot of runs for Hoddesdon could expect well in excess of 50 overs in return. Ollie Ray and Cliff Cavener duly supplied the first part. 50 in eight overs were followed by another 50 off the next 20 balls. Going into the last over Ray was on 86* but Cavener was on strike. A single off the second ball was followed by 4,2,6,6 as Ray took his score to 104* and Hertford to 296-4. Hoddesdon got off to a good start but when wickets started to fall they shut-up shop. The Sturdy brothers lived up to their name and defied the Hertford bowlers for 19 overs as their side hung on at 215-9. Hertford bowled 70 overs, the match lasting 20 more than the prescribed minimum. A rather more tedious draw against Letchworth followed and the day after that Hertford hit what was to be one of the lows of the season. A weak side went to Radlett in the first round of the League Cup and to say they came fourth in a two-horse race

would be flattering. Hertford were annihilated. Only two The ladies in JJ’s life. bowlers conceded fewer than six runs an over and these were Pre season planning had focussed on the need to players who generally played in the lower sides. The home renovate the nets – it is relatively easy to get grants to install side posted a record score against Hertford in this competition and the highest score conceded by the club for a hundred The early comers to the VP lunch were delighted years, 374-3. Hertford had given up long before it was their with the spectacle. The seniors enjoyed an excellent lunch, turn to bat but even so their second lowest score in this wine and other beverages flowed freely and fuelled the competition, 81, was truly horrific. For a club that has won this nostalgic memories that this occasion always provokes. cup more times than any other this was a total embarrassment and the players need to seriously consider their availability if Hertford is to represent itself adequately in these competitions. Into June and the weather was still making its presence felt, either in cancelled games or in less-than-true wickets. Langleybury produced one of these and after allowing Hertford a modest recovery from 73-8 to 155 – thanks were due to Elliott King (67) and the tail – the home side subsided from 47-1 to 96 all out with Ruskin claiming 4- 28 off 16 overs. Sawbridgeworth proved too strong and rain then brought a halt to the proceedings. When cricket resumed Hertford hosted a game against Stevenage and Dane Crognale at last got the century he had been craving for some time. Unfortunately he was then run out. Regrettably words were later exchanged between Crognale and one of the As usual the pavilion was packed for the occasion. Stevenage players and a supporter and disciplinary action The weather then resumed its normal pattern for followed. The match itself had a dramatic climax. Stevenage one of the wettest summers in memory. Two consecutive had lost early wickets to Ollie Ray and as the close of play weekends were washed out, but mindful of the perilous state became closer and closer they were struggling against of the club’s finances an impromptu party was arranged one spinners Andy Brazill and Ruskin. Seven o’clock came during Saturday evening when the Ashes success of 2005 was Hertford 57th over, three over the minimum, with the last pair relived. When the rain finally relented, Hoddesdon once at the wicket. Last ball, batsman struck on the pads and the again applied the torment. Play was delayed to allow umpire raised his finger. conditions to improve. Hertford batted first and were Hertford were probably dreading the next match, dismissed for 200 with three overs unused. Hoddesdon got off away to Radlett with memories of the monumental cup defeat to a good start but Ruskin soon made inroads and at 125-7 still fresh in the mind. These memories were sharpened as Hertford scented revenge for the win denied them earlier in Radlett again raced to 300 but this time they declared to give the season. It was not to be as Harcombe and Jones battled it them extra overs to bowl Hertford out. Steve Gale was having out for a two wicket win. none of this and launched into the Radlett attack. He was Much as the senior sides were suffering, the colts dismissed for 61 after an hour or so’s batting and another were having a wretched season. When weather permitted, wicket, Crognale, saw Hertford adopt a more cautious they put in exceptional performances, and all but one side approach ahead of tea. Refreshed, Ollie Ray set about the reached the county finals not only as league winners but bowling again with a flurry of boundaries. Unfortunately undefeated and were therefore awarded the ‘privilege’ of wickets started to tumble and at 185-6 the chance of a shock hosting the quarter finals. In a normal summer it would indeed win had gone. With Cavener and Cordingley at the wicket have been an advantage and a privilege but this year it was a Hertford had the experience to hold on for the draw. nightmare as the managers, despite a huge amount of effort, The following day was sunny for a change. It was struggled to arrange the games and beat the weather. In the the occasion of the Vice-Presidents’ lunch and though this event, several semi-finals and finals had to be postponed until has been held without any cricket being played the event is after the school holidays. One can only have great sympathy much, much better if the sun shines and there is a good game with the hard working managers and their charges. Their to keep the VPs at the bar a little longer. The opposition were season is short enough as it is but to have rain regularly Brondesbury, often a bogey team for Hertford, in a Chess appear at 4pm in the afternoon was frustrating in the extreme. Valley league game. Crognale demonstrated his prowess with Sunday morning Kwik Cricket sessions continued to attract a the ball – 4-9 – and two rising stars George Pavey and Will huge number of 7-9 year olds willing to brave the elements Ray took Hertford to a very comfortable five-wicket win. and a vast number of these colts have moved on to represent In the morning the ground was full of Kwik-Cricketers, below. Hertford from U9’s upwards. To see how good the future of the club is, one only has to go to Balls Park on a Sunday morning. The youngsters’ enthusiasm is a joy to behold. Alex Prentice and his band of coaches have every right to be proud. Just as one was wondering if the sun was ever Downham Town were the next visitors and now the going to shine this season, Cricket Week arrived. The sun club was and truly in party mood. The marquee was full with shone all day, every day, apart from the Friday when the members and guests enjoying lunch and cricket on another skies clouded over as the week drew to a close. The first marvellous sunny day. Downham won the match but results three days were taken by the county for a Minor Counties on these occasions tend to be academic. The match with the Championship match. As it was their 1000th match in this President’s XI was well contested and went the Club’s way. competition dispensation had been given to them to stage the As members were gathering for the end of week party the game at home. Hertfordshire are the first Minor County to Red Arrows flew past in formation. In truth this had not been reach this milestone and it was the wish of the County arranged by the President, they were on their way back from management that this game be played at Balls Park. the opening of the Olympics. Needless to say the Club were honoured and set about Cricket Week had been fantastic, truly memorable. staging a fitting occasion. It was maybe ironic that the The Treasurer was overjoyed as each day produced excellent opponents were Northumberland who had suffered badly at bar takings and it was great to see new members taking part Balls Park back in 1985 when wet weather wrecked the and helping with the organisation. wicket preparations and led to the shortest Championship match on record. The visitors needed 48 runs in their second innings to win but lost by 25 runs. The County invited past players to tea on the first day and many opted to make it a day out and came for lunch as well. Nostalgia was the order of the day. The opportunity was taken for the County committee to honour Brian Mullholland who had worked tirelessly for them for many years. The match unfortunately petered out into a draw. As so often happens in these games the fear of losing gains the upper hand.

Lunch and cricket – what better way is there to spend a glorious sunny summer’s day.

A return to league cricket saw a return to unpredictable wet weather. Despite 50 for the tenth wicket by James Mead and Paul Eastwood, Hertford were comfortably beaten by Letchworth and found themselves in a relegation dog-fight for the rest of the season. Drawn games with Langleybury and Sawbridgeworth, the first rain affected and the second thanks to some very defensive tactics by Sawbridgeworth did not help but a dismal batting performance against Hemel, defeat by nine wickets, left the Balls Park side County Old Boys in deep trouble. The two bottom sides met at Stevenage and Hertford’s first game in Cricket Week was thus rain again ruined the game. Though Stevenage had lost just delayed until the Wednesday when Southgate came to one wicket their scoring rate had been very slow. defend the Hertgate Trophy. Steve Gale skippered this game and played a true captains innings, scoring 132 and sharing in a stand of 146 with Heshan Abeywickrema for the sixth wicket. Phil Carlson was Radlett were next up and this was definitely not the over from Australia and fixture Hertford would have wanted at this stage of the showed that he had lost campaign. However, cricket is a funny old game and Hertford none of his skills, taking 4- pulled off a shock win thanks to Ruskin with the ball and 27 as Hertford won by 77 Crognale and Gale with the bat. So to West Herts for the last runs. Bob Cole presented game. A win and Hertford would be safe and in a fluctuating Steve with the trophy, last game that result was well within their grasp. Chasing 181 won by Hertford in 2007. from 147-4 should have been easy but Hertford’s middle and lower order managed only a further 24 runs. The other bottom of the table matches did not go Hertford’s way and though not also performing well. Shridhar Kumar was way ahead in the bottom they ended up relegated to the Saracens league bowling stakes, taking 27 wickets at an average of just over again. This was not what the club had in mind back in April 26, with a best of 7 for 62 against Chipperfield Clarendon. but it had to be admitted that the players had their chances Following relegation from division 7 in 2011, the but fluffed them. The weather did not help of course but rain veteran pairing of Rob Carter and Simon Watson decided to was not confined to the county town. take over the captaincy and vice captaincy of the 3rd XI. What Away from the league the team’s fortunes were they would bring in runs and experience was matched with mixed. The total number of matches played, 28, was by far creaking bones and injuries. With this in mind they built the the lowest since Sunday cricket was introduced back in 1949. team around a wealth of talented youngsters to do most of the The Hertgate Trophy was regained but the six Chess Valley running around in the field. The fielding of these youngsters League game results were split between resounding victories along with the odd moment of brilliance from Watson made a and equally resounding defeats. Only three batsmen scored huge difference to the overall performance of the side. They more than 500 runs with Ollie Ray the leader in terms of were virtually home and dry with a few games to go but average at 41.6. There were only four centuries as Balls Park contrived to ‘save’ promotion to the last game. ceased, thanks to the rain, to be a batsman’s paradise. The Sean Russell joined the club this year and made bowlers did not take full advantage of this and it was spinners, useful contributions most weeks both with the bat and as as usual, who took most wickets. Ruskin had the greater haul wicketkeeper. Importantly in a side full of colts, he was a car but Andy Brazill had the better average. The long list of driver which made him one of the first names on the list each players in the averages reflects on the low number who play week. both days now. The longer Saturday game, pressures of Nathan Mead and Simon Knott provided the team modern family life, alternative distractions all take their toll. with a penetrative pace attack and with the wily Keven So the first eleven emulated their rugby counterparts Roberts and Ian Codd bowling in tandem, opposition teams by dropping down a division. Could the seconds succeed? were often dismissed for paltry totals. Importantly the team Unfortunately not. Early poor weather saw games rained off provided a number of players to the 2nd XI throughout the against teams that would turn into relegation battlers, but wins season which is testament to their development in the 3rd against Harpenden and Berkhamsted kept the side in team. They were able to develop their game in a competitive contention. Unfortunately a period of no wins in four games environment whilst learning from three wise old men. with little points return, including disappointing defeats against For the second year running the 4th XI, led again by local sides Ware and Watton-at-Stone hampered the Jamie Lawrance, were comfortable winners of their league promotion chances. The Berkhamsted game was a classic, and will now play in Division 9 next year. They remained the visitors declared on 261-2 after 44 overs and Hertford won unbeaten through the campaign winning ten and drawing four by 4 wickets with three balls to spare. with four weather cancellations. In fact the team is now unbeaten since May 2011 – a record run for the club. This year the team had a more experienced feel to it, as the majority of youngsters who played last year were now performing in the 3rd XI. This if anything made the team stronger with the likes of Pete Amos, Chris Thompson, Dan Osgood, Marcus Chalkley, Raj Patel and Jamie, as well as newcomers Ben Tootell and Owen Myers forming the nucleus of the team. Although there were no century makers, ten players made at least one fifty. Ben Tootell scored over 300 league runs averaging 32.2; Dan Osgood took 33 league wickets. Pete Amos with 275 runs at an average of 55 and 13 wickets demonstrated his all-round credentials. Shri Kumar takes an early wicket against Berkhamsted.

A spell of three wins on the bounce set up the last league game as a tense finale with the team knowing that they would be promoted if they could beat Northwood Town with bottom of the table Hatfield doing the same to Luton Town & Indians. As it happened, Hatfield lost by 10 wickets which although making the result against Northwood insignificant, it was good to finish with a win. Fifth place was very frustrating for all concerned and earlier missed chances to wrap up points were rued. Jeff Hurrell was the top batsman, with 447 runs, including a match winning ton against Berkhamsted, Newcomer Rahul Sharma (360) and Graeme Riddle (336) Pete Amos on his way to 70* against Chorleywood. The 5th XI, again under the leadership of Eric Riddle, notice. Honours were even in the remaining two games and finished mid table in division 13. The team was affected badly fortunately all tourists came back in a reasonable state. by the weather and teams conceding with over a third of This winter the club had plenty to think about, the games cancelled. On top of this the team were on top in a finances suffered from the weather, Sunday cricket struggled. number of games and did not quite have the firepower to bowl The regular corps of workers is getting older and the next teams out. generation must step up. These are challenges that the club Batting, the team were way out in front of any other has had before and challenges that have obviously been team both in the number of bonus points, and the number of overcome. With members determined to push the club runs scored for wickets lost. Highlights of the year were Alex forward, they will be overcome. At the AGM changes were Lodge scoring his maiden century in a 209 opening stand with made and a fresh batch of captains will lead the club next Riddle, Ben Davis scoring his maiden senior 50, Tom Davies season. Cliff Cavener opted to step down to lead the seconds taking his first senior wicket, Trevor Davis, and Simon and with Richard Cordingley standing down from the 1st XI Dawson both being on hat-tricks in the same game, as well as captaincy the club was fortunate that Steve Gale was willing fielding a side with four father and sons, and one father and to step up and take charge. This gave the Mercury a chance daughter combinations. for an obvious headline. The biggest highlight however, was the demolition of Bushey, the eventual league champions, by 9 wickets which just showed how strong the club is when availability is good. Player of the year was 14-year-old Michael Ives who always gave 100 per cent on the field and volunteered to do any mundane jobs off the field. This side is a good launch pad for the careers of the budding colts. We shall see. The Awards Dinner was again held at the club The Sunday 2nd XI suffered at the hands of the but attendance was down, this was disappointing after the weather as well as various other cancellations. Of the 27 success of last year. games scheduled only 15 were played. They won 4, drew 5, The League structure was coming under scrutiny as and lost 6, but the season really did not get going. the joys of travelling in the Home Counties top league proved Highlights of the year were Roger Kent taking a ‘five more tiresome. The clubs in Division 2 East, the league from for’ after a gap of at least three years, and Jack Morton which Hertford had just been relegated, favoured a return to scoring his first run for over two years with an effortless the Saracens league. The Home Counties administrators straight 6. Hopefully the sun will return next year. seized on this and proposed throwing all the Hertfordshire There was another game when the sun shone. On league clubs out. Some, however, are happy with all-day August 10th, Gordon Swannell celebrated his forthcoming 80th cricket. An opinion poll of the top clubs revealed that limited birthday. The Hertford team looked set to ruin the overs games are gaining in popularity. It will be great shame if entertainment when they slumped to 86-9. Luckily Ollie Ray one of the challenges of the game – a rearguard action to and Scott Ruskin were batting at 10 and 11 and they added gain a draw – is lost. 99 with Ruskin contributing 77. This proved to be just enough The County had a poor season with one defeat and as Gordon’s side fell seven short in their allotted 40 overs. the other championship games drawn. England beat the West Indies 2-0 with one drawn and lost to South Africa by the same score line. Neither the County nor the national side were immune to the weather. The autumn brought a surprise as, after being hammered in the first test in India, England came back to win the next two emphatically and take the series. Away from cricket, the undoubted sporting highlight of the year was the London Olympics. They were a tremendous success and gave the club members frequent excuse to stay at the bar and watch Team GB’s many successes. The sporting scene offered a very welcome distraction to the tribulations of life in 2012. Financial woes continued but the euro staggered on. The UK stock market proved to be surprisingly resilient; perhaps things are not as Gordon admires the cakes. black as they are sometimes painted. North Africa provided a salutary reminder that rejoicing at the overthrow of dictators The party that followed was in the best tradition of should be tempered with caution. Be mindful of what you wish Hertford Cricket Club celebrations. for would be a good motto. Even ‘Auntie’ BBC was not The club went to the Bournemouth area on tour immune from travails as a series of scandals involving again but were disappointed when Broadhalpenny Down predatory stars and under-aged girls – and boys – took the Brigands let them down at the last minute. As expected it headlines. proved impossible to get a replacement game at such short

1st XI 2012: Standing – Cliff Cavener, Will Bancroft, George Pavey, Ollie Ray, James Mead, Andy Brazill Sitting – Richard Linney, Will Ray, Richard Cordingley (capt), Dane Crognale, Steve Gale & Zeus

2nd XI 2012 : Standing – Adam Carlson, Shridar Kumar, Chris Marques, Alex Cooper, Richard Linney, George Pavey, Andy Kirtley (umpire). Sitting – Chris Cook, Graeme Riddle, Steve Benford (capt),Jeff Hurrell, Alec Short

3rd XI 2012: Standing – Alfie Lawrance, Sean Russell, Keven Roberts, Simon Watson, Nathan Mead Sitting – Adam Carlson, Alex Carter, Rob Carter (capt), James Frost, Ashan Abeywickrema, Sam Pavey

4th XI 2012: Standing – Matt Pizzey, Nick Birch, Peter Amos, Marcus Chalkley, Cameron Alder, Innes Ridley Sitting – Steve Page, Mark Roofe, Jamie Lawrance (capt), Dan Osgood, Owen Myers