Hoddesdon 3rd XI v's Cheshunt

Hoddesdon 3s were left to rue a disappointing batting display as they suffered defeat away at local rivals Cheshunt on Saturday May 16th. Hoddesdon batted first and were dismissed for 87, before Cheshunt secured victory with four wickets remaining.
Hoddesdon’s innings got off to a shaky start after Luke Murray and Max Murray were bowled without scoring, after a fantastic spell of seam-bowling from Simon England. Steve Duke played belligerently, before he was bowled by Stewart Gough for 12.
Hoddesdon skipper Aidan McElligott and Neil Connor stabilised the visitor’s innings with a 32 partnership, before McElligott was caught for 22 off the bowling of Wilson.

As wickets continued to fall around him, Connor remained steadfast and was not dismissed until the 40th over; as he attempted to take on England, who was returning to the attack. However, Connor’s excellent innings of 34 provided Hoddesdon with a slender chance of victory.

In response, Max Murray and Riley Hagger opened the bowling for Hoddesdon and put the hosts under pressure early on. Hagger bowled economically with little reward, but Murray claimed two deserved wickets, thanks to sharp catches from Luke Murray and Aidan McElligott respectively. Murray ended with very impressive figures of 6 overs 2-8, to continue his fine form from last week.
Josh Gorton and Joe Duke came into the attack shortly afterwards and Cheshunt attempted to increase the run-rate in a push to victory, but Gorton and Joe Duke picked up one wicket apiece to keep the hosts’ honest.
Cheshunt really struggled to cope with the bowling of Aidan McElligott. The Hoddesdon skipper was at his consistent best and he deservedly picked up two wickets, posting figures of 7 overs, 2-12. He was well supported by Steve Duke, who also troubled the hosts; although he didn’t pick up any wickets, he bowled very economically and maintained the late pressure.

Next week, Hoddesdon 3s have their first home game of the season, when they host Mill Hill Village. Their upcoming opponents secured their first league victory of 2015 after beating Southgate Adelaide 3s this weekend. Hopefully Hoddesdon can repeat the feat this weekend.
Josh Gorton