HCC 3rd XI on top against Stevenage

Hoddesdon III v Stevenage V 30th May, 2015
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Hoddesdon III travelled to play league leaders Stevenage V more in hope than expectation but, thanks to some sterling performances from their younger players, another victory was added to last week's win.

Having won the toss and asked Stevenage to bat on what looked like a good wicket at the vegetarian St.Christopher's school in Letchworth. Opening bowlers Max Murray and Riley Hagger continued their recent good form and were unlucky against some free swinging opening bats until opposing skipper Northall finally edged one behind to keeper Draisey with the score on 38 to give Max Murray a wicket. Young debutant Alex Charles-Wall, claimed the next wicket by clean bowling the dangerous Phil Maguire for 33. This came in the second over of an exceptional spell of good paced, well-directed bowling (5-1-18-4) and allied to the pace of Terry Savanhu, 5-1-18-2, Stevenage were reduced to 79-7 after 19 overs. Hoddesdon missed some chances to shorten the innings before Steve Duke effected a fine run-out and Joe Duke, with well controlled off-spin, picked up two late wickets including a fine caught and bowled to end the innings on 115 just as it looked like a late rally was possible, leaving Richard Sullivan unbeaten on 37.

With lunch rules relaxed and Hoddesdon having enjoyed a meaty tea the chase started poorly with the usually obdurate Steve Duke chipping one to Maguire early on. Dave Thorne added 14 before becoming Hulley's second victim. By the time Neil Conner became Hulley's 3rd victim, to bring Terry Savanhu to the crease, Max Murray had already started to time the ball well. With plenty of overs in hand both players were judicious in their shot selection and capitalised on anything short. Their stand of 50 had taken Hoddesdon to a strong position before Max lost his wicket for an excellent 43. Alex Charles-Wall was unable to replicate his bowling heroics which left the skipper, playing circumspectly, to keep Savanhu company as he matched his opposing no.5 to also finish unbeaten on a chanceless 37 to give Hoddesdon III a 5-wicket win.