Two's back to winning ways.

Saturday 6th June saw Hoddesdon 2nd XI travel to Cockfosters for their 5th Division 5-B game of the season. After defeats in the previous two matches it was imperative that Hoddy, after winning the toss and putting the opposition in to bat, made early inroads on what appeared like a decent track.

A superb opening spell from seemers Oli Maughan and Shaun Brown created the early pressure required in limited overs cricket, with the latter picking up the wickets of Edwards and Simmons, both LBW, for 10 & 11 respectively. Maughan was unlucky not to pick up a wicket in his 5 over spell, but it was very encouraging to see the young bowler putting the skills worked on in training that week into practice with aplomb.

Adam Sturdy replaced Maughan (0-19) from the top end and took a wicket with his 1st delivery, having Stokes caught at cover by this weeks 'Green Jacket' winner Tyler Burroughs. This change, combined with the swing bowling of the rangy Brown, carried on the pressure on what was a low and slow deck. The Cockfosters pair of Cooper and Robinson managed to dig in and build a partnership but Sturdy again managed to get the breakthrough, the hard hitting Robinson going after one too many splayed one to Brown at extra cover, reducing the home side to 82-4. Vice-Captain Brown finished his 10 overs with figures of 2-38 and Sturdy ended his spell of 7 bagging 2-22. With the pitch keeping very low, spin was introduced at both ends through Burroughs and Harry Mason. Tyler made light work of the Middle order and tail enders, sweeping through them at ease taking 5-21 off 8.5 overs. A terrific spell showed how to build pressure through executing simple skills and was backed up by some classy glove work on a difficult pitch by keeper Louis Purves. Good support from Isaac Aitken (1-22) at the other end aided Hoddy's quest for wickets and although Mason (0-16) and then Tommy Fryers (0-9) struggled for rhythm, they could both take positives from their spells, causing difficulty for batsmen and no doubt helping the cause.

150 was the chase, a competitive total and one which Hoddesdon would need to graft for. After a steady and risk-free start by Fryers and captain Adrian Lee, Fryers was run out for 5 after a superb piece of fielding at mid wicket by Stokes. Ross Angelini came to the crease and was a tad unlucky to have been given out LBW for 2 off the tight bowling of Sayers. Man of the Match Burroughs then entered the fray, and built a good partnership with Lee, both players doing exactly what needed on that deck, playing straight, getting forward and punishing the bad ball. Burroughs then became the second unlucky victim of the innings after being adjudged caught behind off 2nd change bowler Worley for 21.

Lee continued as he had been and after Brown was adjudged LBW for a steady 12, the skipper and wicket keeper Purves put on a match winning partnership of 57 to see Hoddy over the line. Lee finished his responsible innings 61no, with Purves scoring 21no to ensure the 2nd XI got back to winning ways.

All in all it was a very accomplished performance from the team and much needed after the two losses previous in which we hadn't done ourselves justice. Well done to Animal and Tyler for their individual performances with bat and ball! Next week see's the return of 53-47 over cricket, another chance to home our skills and keep knocking on the door for a 90 point weekend for the mighty Green Machine!