HCC 2nd XI back to winning ways

Hoddy 2's were up against Wheathampstead at Lowfield this saturday and were looking for a win after losing back to back games. Captain Lee lost the toss and was forced to field first on what looked to be a good pitch. Hoddy needed an early breakthrough which they hadn't got in previous weeks and Shaun Brown offered this with the 6th ball of the first over. Cuffaro then came on at the other end got a second wicket for Hoddy with his first ball with Porter chipping to mid off which Tom fryers took excellently. Cuffaro then got his second wicket at the end of the over with Bush skying it high up in the air with Brown taking a simple catch. Hoddesdon's tails were up as their opposition were 4-3 after just 2 overs. However, Wheathampstead looked to recover by playing aggressive shots and punished some loose balls from Cuffaro's bowling in particular. After the early pressure from both opening bowlers, Lee introduced spin at both ends after seamer Maughan was unable to continue to bowl after injuring his thigh. However, no 3 Booth was well in and continued his attacking approach. Briggs wasn't looking so comfortable at the crease and Van Bunge continuously beat the outside edge of his bat but was unable to take his wicket. Eventually their partnership was broken by a caught and bowled from Van Bunge and with Fryers bowling accurate at the other end the flow of runs stemmed. Fryers picked up 2 wickets, one of which Jame Achillea took an unbelievable catch in the slips. Van Bunge picked up 2 more wickets and Jamie Curtis was brought on near the end of the innings and picked up 2 wickets ending Wheathampstead's innings of 181 after 47 overs.

Hoddesdon fancied their chances at chasing this score and only needed to go at around 3 an over. However, both Fryers and Lee were out trying to pull and both ended top edging it straight up in the air. With Hoddy 19-2, Curtis joined the crease with Gandon and together they built up an excellent partnership with proper cricket shots being played throughout. Curtis then reached his 50 and afterwards played freely making use of the short boundary with some brilliant shots. Gandon was then caught out for 40, but Hoddesdon were in control at 143-3 with Curtis still. Curtis then raced to his century and along with Brown at the end saw Hoddesdon to victory finishing 112 not out with 23 fours.

The win was needed for the 2's and alongside the recent success of the 1's and 3's they will be looking to get back to back victories next Saturday away at Ickleford.