The ruthless Redbourn 11-a-side team comprehensively made it two from two this season against our local rivals, neighbours and friends tonight, in a match played at the Rec on the longest day of the year, where Redbourn always looked in control and comfortable.

We lost the toss and batted first which was exactly what we wanted on a hot, balmy evening. Advantage Redbourn.

Austin once again got the team off to a rock solid start with a cool, calm and collected 14 off 33 almost batting through to the half way mark of the innings. Austin has put in a lot of extra hours this season and is really developing into a super opening batsman. Henry batted at three and got the innings and scoreboard going with a quick 12 off 17, before Connor come in in some kind of “Jos Butler vs the Netherlands type” mood smashing his way to 25 retied off just 13 balls, including two fours and two sixes while Callan steered the innings with a well constructed 30 retired, finishing with a monster six, much to the delight of his ever supportive team mates.

Redbourn finished on 117/4 having given ourselves a target at which to bowl. Advantage Redbourn.

Connor & Callan opened the bowling, steaming down the hill and had Harpenden on the back foot from the outset. Connor bowling with the kind of express pace which every team wants from their opening bowler and Callan swinging the ball nicely away from the bat. Callan picked up two early wickets and Connor one, to have Harpenden struggling on 27 for 3 after six overs.

Xander and Jack then kept the pressure on with some tight line and length bowling including a change to up the hill half way through their spell. Xander was rewarded with a wicket thanks to a superb catch by Henry whose fielding was outstanding all night, by far and away Redbourn’s best fielder in a strong fielding performance which included a very cool, calm and collected run out by James and Chris. Jack picked up two wickets which were a patient reward for some good stump to stump bowling.

Just when Harpenden thought they’d seen off the best of the Redbourn attack, Ellis came steaming up the hill and bowled with pace and power to have Harpenden on the ropes during his fiery three overs, putting the game to bed. Ellis bowled extremely well and was unlucky not to be rewarded with a wicket or three. All the hard work during the winter months is definitely paying off. Jon and Henry then saw us home nicely, to ensure a commanding victory, which sets us up very nicely for a winner takes all play off place final match against Wheathampstead next Wednesday.

The fielding by the boys tonight was a genuine team effort and without doubt, the best fielding performance we’ve seen this season. The encouragement and enthusiasm were tangible as the 20 overs in the field flew by - the team even talks more than Rich does now! It was really encouraging to see the boys implementing what they have learned at training and the team is moulding into a tight, strong fielding unit which puts the batting team under pressure. Fielding is such a crucial part of the game and the skill which players spend the most time doing.

Tonight was a proper cricket performance and it was great to see the boys really understanding and coming to grips with the 11-a-side format and implementing what they are learning as the season progresses.

A big, big thank you to coach Simon tonight for scoring, I hope those at home were following the game on the app and to coach Rich for managing the team on the boundary and preparing the boys for the next part of their match. Once again, thank you for all the parents for supporting and encouraging the boys.

See you all on Sunday for a big training session before matches for both the 11-a-side and Pairs teams next week.