26 Aug – 1sts lose, seconds game conceded by opposition – The firsts suffered a heavy defeat against Luton Town & Indians 2nds. Chasing 207 to win we were bowled out for just 80.
20 Aug – Herts Village Trophy – Once again we made it to the finals day of the HVT. After beating Watton-at-Stone in the semi final, we faced Aldenham in the final, losing a high scoring game by just 1 run.
19 Aug – double wins – The firsts completed a league double against Ampthill 2nds, winning by 76 runs. Junaid Ashiq with 4-16 plus 3 wickets each for Jimmy Pickard and Will Hill.
The 2nds had a resounding win against bottom team Boxmoor 3rds. A magnificent 121 from James Hayes plus 79 from Andy Lee set up an imposing total of 275-5. The Boxmoor batters proved no match for the Enders bowlers as they were skittled for just 14! Seb Hunter-Ward spearheaded the attack with figures of 6-7
Apologies for lack of recent headlines as I’ve been away / on grandparent duty. Results should now be up to date, but without any detailed descriptions!
8/9 July mixed results – The firsts hosted Preston 2nds and were set a target of 234 in 40 overs, thanks largely to 98 from Anthony Ender. The reply fell 42 runs short as none of the batters could play a substantial innings, as only Az and Kaiz were able to pass 30.
The 2nds were at West Herts VI and bowled them out for 69 (Andy Lee 4-22, Jason Lee 3-6). The reply didn’t start too well, but Andy Lee (23) and Courtny Wise (25) paved the way for a win by 4 wickets.
The Sunday team faced a strong Watford team in a league fixture, losing by 99 runs despite 83 from Az and 44 from skipper Haseeb.
1 July – 2 defeats – The first visited Leverstock Green 2nds and made a good start, reducing LG to 70-7, but then a stand of 120 enabled the home side to reach 224-8. The Enders reply was held together by Haseeb Ashraf (95), but no-one else was able to hang around as we fell 17 runs short.
The 2nds were without a league fixture and played a friendly against Barford, losing a close game by just 4 runs.
24 Jun – the winning habit continues – Luton Town & Indians II were the visitors this week and they won the toss and chose to bat. Steady progress was made , reaching 100 with just 3 wickets down, but then a few quick wickets slowed them down, finishing on 189 with ethe wickets shared between 5 bowlers. Jimmy Pickard (61) and Harry Lee (52) shared an opening stand of 107, before debutant Izhar Ahmed was unfortunately run out without scoring. Skipper Az Azhtar (26*) and Haseeb Ashraf (19*) completed the job with pleanty of overs to spare.
The seconds played Chipperfield Clarendon 3rds nad beat their 9 men by 163 runs. David Raeburn continued his fine form with 47 runs and 4-18 in a comfortable victory.
17 Jun – another double . The firsts travelled to Ampthill 2nds and were invited to bat first. They took full advantage of a good pitch, making 306-9 from their 50 overs. Jimmy Pickard (74) and Michael Gurney (73) led the way, backed up by 30’s from Harry Lee and Haseeb Ashraf. The Ampthill reply never really got going as Will Hill (4-26) and Junaid Ashiq (4-22) combined to dismiss them for just 86.
The seconds hosted Boxmoor 3rds and set a challenging target, scoring 244-8; Courtny Wise (72not out), Rtan Luke (50) and James Hayes (48) being the main contributors. Boxmoor’s reply started steadily, but then wickets fell regularly as Dave Raeburn (5-15) and Dave Hill (3-27) went through the middle order, dismissing the visitors for 97.
10 June – double league wins – The firsts won a tight game against North Mymms II who won the toss and elected to bat. 6 of their players scored 20 or more, but none could go on to more substantial totals, and they wer bowled out for 182. Callum McCarthy took 3-27 and Harry Lee added 2 late wickets. Both openers went for 15 and 14 respectively, then Junaid Ashiq took control with a fine 51 before Michael Gurney (37*) guided us to victory against some tight bowling.
The seconds beat Hemel V by 26 runs. James Hayes (36), Ian Dyde (30) and John Peppett (27) helped us to a total of 176 before the bowlers shared the wickets in a good win
27 May – double defeat – The first team lost to a strong Old Owens 2’s. Batting first we lost 4 early wickets, but a stand of 151 between Az Akhtar (84) and Michael Gurney (61) helped us to 205-9. This proved a bit short, as OO reached the target with overs to spare and for the loss of just 3 wickets.
The seconds travelled to Kings Langley 3rds who posted 238 -9 from their 40 overs. In reply we were dismissed for 160. Dave Raeburn top scored with 45 and Paul Dyde chipped in with 27.
20/21 May – A mixed weekend – The firsts had a comprehensive victory by 10 wickets at Frogmore who were bowled out for just 83, with the wickets shared amongst all of the bowlers. The seconds lost a low scoring game against Tring Park 4ths, although it took them 36 overs to reach the 115 required.
Sunday saw the annual visit of the Full Tossers who lost a high scoring game. Az Akhtar (136 not out) annd Michael Gurney (95) shared a parthnership of 250 in a total of 307-4. The visitors came very close to victory, thanks largely to James Bowler (147 not out), but eventually finished just 7 runs short.
Winning start to season – In a last minute change of opposition we enjoyed a close encounter with Fulmer CC. Batting first we scored 241-8 with Michael Gurney top scoring (68) plus useful knocks from Az Akhtar (42), James Hayes (35), Jimmy Pickard (34) and Kaiz Ul Haq (26). Pick of the bowlers for Fulmer was Mani with 5-34. the Fulmer reply got off to a fine start with an opening partnership of 52 and continued to make good progress, reaching 200 with only 4 wickets down, but a late flurry of wickets left them 23 short with one wicket remaining. 3 wickets each for Michael Gurney and Jimmy Pickard.
Winter Nets – Indoor nets start Monday 16th Jan at Choice Cricket Centre from 7-8pm. We have 2 nets booked so need to see a good showing every Monday so we at least break even during the winter. It’s £5 per session per player which we have kept at last years price even though the cost of hire has gone up.
Sad News – Mic Sheehan – We are sorry to hear that our President passed away yesterday (28th Dec). Mic has long been a great friend to the club in many roles as an opening batter, wicket keeper, colts coach and for the last few years as Club President. He will be greatly missed.
Sat 27 Aug – Up to 2nd – Just 4 points separate us from top spot after a resounding win against Old Albanian 2nds. A fine opening stand of 119 between Jimmy Pickard (59) and Harry Lee (52) was the foundation for a total of 180. OA were then dismissed for just 47 in 15.5 overs as Michael Gurney (4-8) and Callum McCarthy (4-11) made sure of maximum points. The seconds lost at Northwood 3rds, once again failing to set a decent target, and lost by 6 wickets.
Sun 21 Aug – Another ton , this time it’s JD. 3rd spot in the Sunday league was confirmed with a big win at Watford 2nds. Junaid Ashiq hit 101 and Haseeb Ashraf ended on 98 not out in our total of 298-4. Watford were never in the chase, scoring 117-6 in 45 overs with Will Hill bowling 10 overs for just 6 runs
Sat 20 Aug Ton-up Harry leads the way. The 1sts travelled to Sawbridgworth II where Harry Lee scored 106, aided by Az Akhtar (39) as we scored 222-8. The home side were never really in it as Anthony Fenn (4-15) and Michael Gurney (3-14) bowled us to a win by 125 runs. The 2nds hosted Chorleywood 3rds, but only Haseeb Ashraf (34) and Jason Hawridge (32) were able to stick around as we were bowled out for 119. A couple of early wickets for John Peppett (3-16) gave us some hope but to no avail as the visitors completed a win by 4 wickets.
Sat 13 Aug – Role reversal as 1st lose and 2nds win. A lacklustre batting performance at Flamstead lead to a loss by 63 runs, whilst the 2nds enjoyed a good win at Watford 4ths as Haseeb Ashraf (42) and Jason Hawkridge (40) helped us to 191 all out. Watford fell 24 runs short with the wickets being shared among the bowlers.
Sat 6 Aug – 1sts win again, 2nds lose again! Andy Lee (53 not out) and Junaid Ashiq (45) led the way to 271-6 from our 50overs at Hertingfordbury, who were then bowled out for 145. Jason Lee with 3-13 and 2 each for Michael Gurney and Callum McCarthy. The 2s continued their poor form with the bat and could only muster 127 against West Herts 4ths, thanks mainly to 45 from Haseeb Ashraf. West Herts triumphed by 7 wickets, despite a mini wobble as all 3 wickets fell on 58
30 July 1sts win, plus the return of the Krakken… Ickleford 2nds were the visitors on Saturday, scoring 194 with 3 wickets each for Ian Dyde and Jason Lee. Several useful knocks contributed to a 4 wicket win, Will Hill top scorong with 35 not out. The 2nds were at Berkhamsted 4ths, and had a terrible start, losing 2 wickets in the first over, including skipper Pete Raeburn on his return from injury. Only late cameos from Nathan Pitts (42) and 18 each for John Peppett and Richard Scillitoe enabled us to get to 105, but Berko knocked them off for just 2 wickets down.
23 July A day of celebration despite the result! 🥂Congratulations to chairman David Raeburn and his new wife Joanna as their much delayed wedding finally went ahead💞. In other news … the 1sts had another disappointing day, bowled out for 129 by Mill Hill Village and lost by 4 wickets. The 2nd team game was conceded due to lack of availability
16/17 July – 3 heavy defeats😒. A poor day with the bat as both teams could only just muster 200 runsa between them. The 1sts were bowled out for 99 at Baldock, losing by 6 wickets, while the 2nds, facing a large target of 249 set by Old Escotians, were dismissed for 111.
The Sunday team headed to Bharat Olympians with just 10 men. BO racked up 337 and then bowled us out for just 112
9/10 July – 1sts continue to top the table, 2nds lose again – Jimmy Pickard (79) and Harry Lee (73) put on 158 for the 1st wicket against Clifton as we posted 241-8. Michael Gurney then took 5-45 to set up a 75 run win.
The 2nds had a disaster at Northwood Town 3rds, bowled out for just 44 on a poor pitch.
Sunday saw a high scoring game with Old Sectonians who posted 287-8. In reply we fell 40 runs short despite good knocks from Jason Lee (56), Az Akhtar (50), Andy Lee (49) and Ian Dyde (41).
2/3 July – Boxmoor too strong , but 2nds win – Boxmoor posted a big target of 320 thanks to 145 from Potton. The target was reduced due to rain, but was out of reach, despite 74 not out from Az Akhtar.
The seconds won at Rickmansworth 3rds, as the home team struggled aginst our lack of pace as Dave Raeburn (5-11) and Dave Hill (3-24) helped bowl them out for 78.
On Suday, Az was at it again with 128 not out in a total of 244against Ruislip. In reply the visitores lost early wickets and were never really up with the rate; Andy Lee with 3-16 led the attack as they were dismissed for 133.
25/26 June – 1sts continue to lead the way, but 2nds lose again. The 1st team won by 150 runs at Old Albanians II; Michael Gurney top scored with 72 then Will Hill and Jimmy Pickard took 3 wickets each as OA were bolwed out for 73.
The seconds lost a tight game at home to Northwood 3rds, just failing to take the final wicket. Dave Hill with 4-19 led the way.
Sundays league game was away at St Albans. A rare occurrence as there were two centurions for PE, as Harry Lee (112not out) and Haseeb Ashraf (107) put on a big stand; however it proved not enough as we lost by 4 wickets.
18/19 June – wins for 1sts and Sunday team, 2nds lose heavily. The 1sts entertained Sawbridgeworth II in a rain affected match; batting first we scored 203-4 from 46 overs – Jimmy Pickard 79 not out and Anthony Fenn 52. Sawbridgeworth were then bowled out for 118 chasing a revised target of 181 – 4 wickets each for Jimmy Pickard and Will Hill.
The seconds continue to find it tough in the reorganised league structure, as Chorleywood 3rds proved far too strong, scoring 266-6 before bowling us out for just 114.
The Sunday team played a friendly at Simmons CC and proved far too strong, scoring 246, although at one stage it looked like being even more. James Hayes (60), Jason Hawkridge (48) and Kaiz Ul Haq (46) being the top scorers.Simmons were then bowled out for 64, with the wickets shared among the 4 bowlers.
11 June – 1sts go top with emphatic win. Wickets were shared among the bowlers as Flamstead were bowled out for 136. Jimmy Pickard (55*) and Harry Lee (58*) then secured the victory in just 22 overs.
The 2nds lost at home to Watford Town 4ths; another below par batting performance combined with the lack of a 5th front line bowler.
4/5 June – A mixed bag. The 1st team hosted Hertingfordbury. Batting first we scored 150, possibly a bit disappointing, but then skipper Michael Gurney put in another match winning performance with 6-17 as the visitors were bowled out for just 50.
The 2nd team game was conceded due to insufficient availability for various reasons and Sunday’s game at Luton Caribbean fell victim to the weather
28/29 May- 2 league wins, but defeat on Sunday. The 1sts travelled to Ickleford 2nds; batting first we scored 151 before bowling the hosts out for 83 (Michael Gurney 6-18). The 2nds beat Berkhamsted 4ths by 7 wickets. Harry Hayes and David Raeburn took 3 wickets each, then despite a poor start at 15-3 an unbroken stand of 106 between Ryan Luke (55*) and Andy Lee (49*) secured a fine victory. The Sunday side travelled to Uxbridge, losing by 7 wickets; Junaid Ashiq top scored with 73 not ou.
21 / 22 May – treble defeat. The 1st team lost in the last over at Mill Hill Village as the home team reached the target of 172. The 2nds produced another disappointing batting display and lost to Berkhamsted 3rds by 8 wickets. On Sunday Full Tossers were the visitors. PE scored 154 with Harry Lee (46) and Jimmy Pickard (42) the main contributors. The Tossers then knocked them off with 10 overs and 4 wickets to spare….
14/15 May- win for 1sts, 2nds defeated heavily. Visitors Baldock batted first and scored 210-5 from their 50 overs; Harry Lee taking 3-23. After slipping to 107-5, a fine unbroken partnership of 106 between Junaid Ashiq (86no) and Harry Lee (43 no) achieved the win with 5 overs to spare.
Sunday’s rearranged game at Prince of Wales, Aylesbury was rained off
8th May – Last ball 6 wins it! – Away to Boxmoor is always a keenly contested local derby. Batting first, the home team scored a decent total of 254-7. The PE reply went to the final ball with Az (69 no) hitting a maximum. Good knocks too from Michael Gurney (67), Kaiz Ul Haq (46) and Ian “new bat” Dyde (38)
7th May – League season off to a disappointing start – The firsts travelled to Clifton, and chose to bowl first. Clifton made a steady start, but their no. 5 set about the bowling, scoring 81 and helping them to 199 all out, with Junaid Ashiq taking 4-31. Probably about 20-30 runs too many. In reply Az Akhtar led the way with a magnificent 104, including a few massive 6’s. Sadly, no-one could stay with him very long and we ended up 18 runs short.
The seconds hosted Northwood Town 3rds, and chose to bat first, but could only reach 146-8 from their 40 overs, top scorers were Jason Hawkridge (27) and Ian Dyde (26 not out). Northwood reached the target with 7 overs to spare; 2 wickets each for Dave Hill, Harry Hayes and David Raeburn.
First wins of the season – Some last minute rearranging of fixtures saw the 1sts taking on Markyate at home. Batting first we scored 226 for 9, with Kaiz Ul Haq (58), Anthony Fenn (47 not out) and Harry Lee(45) the main contributors. In reply Markyate made a poor start and never really recoverd from being 27-4 despite a fine knock from Gagan Singh (54).
The 2nds visited Hemel Town to play a combined 3rd/4th team. Debutant Tru Patel top scored with 55 not out in our total of 165. Hemel made a steady start, but were undone by Dave Hill (4-19) and 2 wickets each for Dave Raeburn and Tru Patel.
On Sunday, Watton-at-Stone were the visitors. We scored 232-7, thanks to a partnership of 168 between Harry Lee (100) and Michael Gurney (61). W-A-S made a decent start, but then Jason Lee took 4-38 as they were bowled out for 164
First weekend ends winless – East Ham Corinthians were the visitors on Sunday. PE batted first and scored 185, thanks to half centuries from Harry Lee and skipper Az Akhtar. EHC reached the target with 7 overs to spare, as opener Ari hit 95, supported by Joseph with 60.
New season under way with 2 defeats – The 1sts lost to Luton Caribbean, thanks largely to a century from their number 4 batter (Jackey?). The 2nds visited Bessborough CC in Harrow, and were outplayed by a side several levels higher, despite David Raeburn picking up 5-42
Winter Nets 2022 – Indoor nets start on Monday 10th January and run through to 11th April hopefully by then we will be outside training. This year we have 2 nets available between 7-8pm. Cost £5 per player
Update on Crowd Funding page – The funding window has now closed. We raised £245 from this and we are grateful for the support received.
Crowd Funding Link – We have set up a crowd funding page in order to raise funds to install a new safety net to minimise risk of balls entering neighbouring properties. Click here to visit the page
Annual General Meeting – The PECC AGM will be held on Thursday 25th November in the Church Room, Potten End starting at 7:30 pm. We hope to see as many members as possible
26/9/21 A tie in the final match of the season! Batting first we scored 224-4 from 40 overs, with Abdul Mohammed leading the way with 113 and Junaid Ashiq 64 not out. The visitors made a swift start, and at 188-4 after 28 overs were looking on course for victory, but some tight bowling from Abdul (4-14) and Junaid (2-19) they were pegged back. With 3.3 overs left, 5 runs were needed with 3 wickets in hand, but a couple of run outs later it was all over with scores level. (Details courtesy of the match report written by HICC, which can be seen by following the link to the result on our front page)
25/9/21 Not exactly Caribbean weather! The final Saturday game saw Luton Caribbean visiting. Batting first we scored 148, the main contributions from Pete Raeburn (41) and Paddy Ashton (37). That was never enough, and LC reached the target with just 5 wickets down.
19/9/21 A win at Redbourn. Batting first, we scored 237-4 – Tommee Seaton 77*, JD 60* and Jimmy Pickard 49. In reply the home side fell just 3 runs short despite 104 from their opening bat
18/9/21 A stroll for White Walkers? Batting first we made just 113, with only James Hayes (31), Jimmy Pickard (30) and Steve Fowles (19) managing double figures. WW then knocked the runs off in 17.2 overs, losing 6 wickets on the way.
4/9/21 – Champions- A great win on the last game of the season against league leaders Watton-at-Stone put us in a great position, awaiting clarification from the league regarding accuracy of their league tables! This has now been confirmed, so next season will be in Div 5B. Defending a low total of 133-5, things didn’t look too good as Watton got to 96-2 with 28 overs left, however a late order collapse resulted in a victory by 19 runs. 4 wickets for Junaid Ashiq and 3 apiece for Michael Gurney and Will Hill.
The seconds ended the season with a fine victory away to Abbots Langley 3rds. Pete Raeburn led the way with an unbeaten 103 in a challenging total of 230-7. This proved too much for Abbots, ending on 147-9 with the wickets shared among the bowlers.
21/8/21 – Another below par batting performance – chasing a relatively low total of 130 against Potters Bar 3rds proved too much as we were bowled out for just 116. A severe lack of available players also meant that we had to conceded the 2nd XI fixture…..
24/7/21 – Great win for 2nds. With the first team game cancelled due to Covid isolation affecting Allenbury & County Hall, the seconds recorded an emphatic win at Markyate. 3 wickets each for Ian Dyde and Dave Raeburn restricted the home team to 156-9 from their 40 overs. Jimmy Pickard (64 no) and Junaid Ashiq (47 no) wrapped up the win with overs to spare.
18/7/21 Another hot day, another win. London Maccabi Vale II were the visitors and posted 236 from their 45 overs. Harry Hayes took 4-47 and Junaid Ashiq wrapped up the tail with 3-7. The Potten End reply progressed steadily and then Junaid and Haseeb Ashraf put on an unbroken stand of 164 to reach the target with overs to spare. Both batsmen finished on 81 not out.
17/7/21 1sts skittle opposition, 2nds tie. Put into bat on a hot day (?), the 1sts scored 226-6 from their 40 overs and then ran through Hatfield and Crusaders II, bowling them out for just 37 in 16.3 overs. 4 wickets apiece for Junaid Ashiq and Jimmy Pickard.
The seconds scored 198 at St Albans IV, with Pete Raeburn top scoring with 75. The SA reply went all the way to the last ball and they finished on 198-9!
10/7/21 Double league wins. The 1sts travelled to Old Elizabethans 2nds and bowled them out for 125 with the wickets shared amongst the bowlers. Harry Lee (61 not out) led the response, aided by 26 from James Hayes to secure a 6 wicket win with plenty of overs to spare.
The seconds hosted Harpenden 6ths. Skipper Pete Raeburn hit 60 in the total of 176-7 from our 40 overs. Opening bowlers John Peppett and Harry Hayes kept the run rate well below the required level, and despite some middle order resistance, the visitors were dismissed for 116.
9/7/21 – Runners-up in Coronation Cup. A below par batting performance was the primary cause for defeat to Aston Clinton in the final. Only Jimmy Pickard (24) and PAddy Ashton (28 not out) reached double figures in a disappointing total of 101-9 from 20 overs, with the AC skipper taking 5-9. Despite some tight bowling and fielding, AC were able to reach the taget in the 19th over having lost 7 wickets.
4/7/21 – Rain could not stop us. Credit to Studham as a heavy downpour before the start and another one just after the break wasn’t enough to prevent the game being completed. James Hayes (76) and Tommee Seaton (59) laid the foundation for a decent target of 204 from 30 overs. Wickets fell regularly in the home team’s replay and only a late flurry from Rob Thorne (51) took the total to 160.
3/7/21 – Firsts win, seconds lose a cliffhanger. Andy Lee (47) led a recovery from 116-8 to a reasonable total of 169. Michael Gurney and JD Ashiq then took 4 apiece as Watton-at-Stone fell 18 runs short. The seconds lost a great game at home to Abbots Langley thirds. Two runs were needed from the last ball with the last pair at the wicket, but sadly John was caught behind!
Annual General Meeting – The PECC AGM will be held on Thursday 25th November in the Church Room, Potten End starting at 7:30 pm. We hope to see as many members as possible
26/9/21 A tie in the final match of the season! Batting first we scored 224-4 from 40 overs, with Abdul Mohammed leading the way with 113 and Junaid Ashiq 64 not out. The visitors made a swift start, and at 188-4 after 28 overs were looking on course for victory, but some tight bowling from Abdul (4-14) and Junaid (2-19) they were pegged back. With 3.3 overs left, 5 runs were needed with 3 wickets in hand, but a couple of run outs later it was all over with scores level. (Details courtesy of the match report written by HICC, which can be seen by following the link to the result on our front page)
25/9/21 Not exactly Caribbean weather! The final Saturday game saw Luton Caribbean visiting. Batting first we scored 148, the main contributions from Pete Raeburn (41) and Paddy Ashton (37). That was never enough, and LC reached the target with just 5 wickets down.
19/9/21 A win at Redbourn. Batting first, we scored 237-4 – Tommee Seaton 77*, JD 60* and Jimmy Pickard 49. In reply the home side fell just 3 runs short despite 104 from their opening bat
18/9/21 A stroll for White Walkers? Batting first we made just 113, with only James Hayes (31), Jimmy Pickard (30) and Steve Fowles (19) managing double figures. WW then knocked the runs off in 17.2 overs, losing 6 wickets on the way.
4/9/21 – Champions- A great win on the last game of the season against league leaders Watton-at-Stone put us in a great position, awaiting clarification from the league regarding accuracy of their league tables! This has now been confirmed, so next season will be in Div 5B. Defending a low total of 133-5, things didn’t look too good as Watton got to 96-2 with 28 overs left, however a late order collapse resulted in a victory by 19 runs. 4 wickets for Junaid Ashiq and 3 apiece for Michael Gurney and Will Hill.
The seconds ended the season with a fine victory away to Abbots Langley 3rds. Pete Raeburn led the way with an unbeaten 103 in a challenging total of 230-7. This proved too much for Abbots, ending on 147-9 with the wickets shared among the bowlers.
21/8/21 – Another below par batting performance – chasing a relatively low total of 130 against Potters Bar 3rds proved too much as we were bowled out for just 116. A severe lack of available players also meant that we had to conceded the 2nd XI fixture…..
24/7/21 – Great win for 2nds. With the first team game cancelled due to Covid isolation affecting Allenbury & County Hall, the seconds recorded an emphatic win at Markyate. 3 wickets each for Ian Dyde and Dave Raeburn restricted the home team to 156-9 from their 40 overs. Jimmy Pickard (64 no) and Junaid Ashiq (47 no) wrapped up the win with overs to spare.
18/7/21 Another hot day, another win. London Maccabi Vale II were the visitors and posted 236 from their 45 overs. Harry Hayes took 4-47 and Junaid Ashiq wrapped up the tail with 3-7. The Potten End reply progressed steadily and then Junaid and Haseeb Ashraf put on an unbroken stand of 164 to reach the target with overs to spare. Both batsmen finished on 81 not out.
17/7/21 1sts skittle opposition, 2nds tie. Put into bat on a hot day (?), the 1sts scored 226-6 from their 40 overs and then ran through Hatfield and Crusaders II, bowling them out for just 37 in 16.3 overs. 4 wickets apiece for Junaid Ashiq and Jimmy Pickard.
The seconds scored 198 at St Albans IV, with Pete Raeburn top scoring with 75. The SA reply went all the way to the last ball and they finished on 198-9!
10/7/21 Double league wins. The 1sts travelled to Old Elizabethans 2nds and bowled them out for 125 with the wickets shared amongst the bowlers. Harry Lee (61 not out) led the response, aided by 26 from James Hayes to secure a 6 wicket win with plenty of overs to spare.
The seconds hosted Harpenden 6ths. Skipper Pete Raeburn hit 60 in the total of 176-7 from our 40 overs. Opening bowlers John Peppett and Harry Hayes kept the run rate well below the required level, and despite some middle order resistance, the visitors were dismissed for 116.
9/7/21 – Runners-up in Coronation Cup. A below par batting performance was the primary cause for defeat to Aston Clinton in the final. Only Jimmy Pickard (24) and PAddy Ashton (28 not out) reached double figures in a disappointing total of 101-9 from 20 overs, with the AC skipper taking 5-9. Despite some tight bowling and fielding, AC were able to reach the taget in the 19th over having lost 7 wickets.
4/7/21 – Rain could not stop us. Credit to Studham as a heavy downpour before the start and another one just after the break wasn’t enough to prevent the game being completed. James Hayes (76) and Tommee Seaton (59) laid the foundation for a decent target of 204 from 30 overs. Wickets fell regularly in the home team’s replay and only a late flurry from Rob Thorne (51) took the total to 160.
3/7/21 – Firsts win, seconds lose a cliffhanger. Andy Lee (47) led a recovery from 116-8 to a reasonable total of 169. Michael Gurney and JD Ashiq then took 4 apiece as Watton-at-Stone fell 18 runs short. The seconds lost a great game at home to Abbots Langley thirds. Two runs were needed from the last ball with the last pair at the wicket, but sadly John was caught behind!
27/6/21 – Triple winning weekend. Michael Gurney (45) and Jimmy Pickard (4-21) led the way in a 19 run win over Cheshunt Rosedale II. The seconds won a tight game against Watford 4ths, with Dave Hill taking 5-30 and then Ryan Luke (45) and Jason Hawkridge (69 no) securing the win by 1 wicket in the penultimate over. The Sunday team won by 7 wickets at Old Merchant Taylors.
19/6/21 – Firsts called off, seconds lose. Apologies for the recent absence of headlines, no excuses! The 1st team game at Potters Bar was called off, whilst the seconds lost a close encounter with Old Albanian IV by 24 runs. Highlight (apart from the countless dropped catches by either side) was a fine 99 from OA’s Matthew Turner.
15/5/21 – Firsts lose, seconds abandoned. The firsts lost away at Hatfield & Crusaders II. Batting first, Jimmy & Michael put on 56 for the first wicket, but after that only Haseeb (35) was able to hang around as we were bowled out for 148. The seconds had another frustrating week with a reduced overs match eventually being abandoned without reaching the minimum overs for a result.
9/5/21 – Last ball defeat. The Sunday team lost a high scoring game at Boxmoor with their opener Ben Mannering hitting a six from the final ball, finishing on 146 not out. Tommee Seaton and Az Akhtar hit half centuries for the Enders
8/5/21 – Firsts win opening league fixture. The new covers played an important role in getting a game on, albeit reduced to 33 overs per side. Jimmy Pickard (66) and Az Akhtar (52) helped us to 227-8. In reply Old Elizabethans 2nds ended 66 runs short on 161-7
8/5/21 – Seconds off due to rain. The game away to Harpenden VI was a victim of the weather.
2/5/21- Late venue switch no barrier to success. Due to a pitch mix-up, the game was switched to a home match. Luton’s Jaidesh top scored with 103 not out in a total of 201-5. In reply Jimmy Pickard led the way with 57 not out as the PE top 4 made short work of it, wining with 10 overs to spare
1/5/21 – Centuries for both skippers, but only one win. Michael Gurney* hit 108 away at Southgate Adelaide, but the hosts won a tight game by 4 wickets in the last over. The 2nds hosted Shenley 4ths; Pete Raeburn hit 105 as we reached 244-4 from 35 overs, then David Raeburn took 4-38 to set up a win by 41 runs. *Apologies to Michael – original report gave this ton to Az – my mistake!
25/4/21 – The Sunday team suffered a heavy defeat at home to a Watford Town XI. Batting first the visitors smashed 363-3 from their 40 overs. This proved a bit too much, despite half centuries from Michael Gurney, Haseeb Ashraf and Az Akhtar.
24/4/21 – The 2021 season got off to a winning start as the firsts travelled to Little Gaddesden. Batting first we scored 188-4 from 35 overs, with Haseeb Ashraf leading the way with 86 not out. The hosts fell 17 runs short with wickets shared amongst the bowlers.
The seconds had a close game against Knotty Green 3rds, falling 12 runs short of the target of 215. Top scorer was Tommee Seaton with 56.
Happy New Year to everyone, stay safe and look forward to better things in 2021.
So, we come to the end of a challenging season, not one that any of us could have imagined at the start of the year. Despite all of the uncertainties and strange playing conditions, there has been a good deal of competitive cricket, albeit without the attraction of a traditional cricket tea! The weather has played its part too with only one day lost to rain. Let’s hope that next season can see a return to something more ‘normal’ – and, of course, flapjack.
12/9/20 – Champions…. Congratulations to the 2nd XI who ended the season at the top of Regional Div A West, despite a final day defeat to Watford Town 4ths. Click here to see lots of pics taken by Lawrence on the day.
The 1st XI’s final game saw a 35 run victory at Rickmansworth 2nds and they finish in 4th place in Div 6B in this shortened season.
7/9/20 – 3 good wins over the weekend as the first team beat Potters Bar 3rds by 115 runs, whilst the seconds enjoyed a 4 wicket win over Old Albanians 4th team. The Sunday team chalked up a victory by around 40 runs against Friends XI (scoresheet is a bit vague in places!)