Blessed by dry weather at Bishop Stortford as if it were a home fixture it would have been one point each which, narrative would lessen Norfolk’s chances of progressing to the Quarter Finals. For a distant spectator it was a colour clash and numbered shirts (Hertfordshire) must be the future? An absentee was Sol Budinger fresh from his 100 off 31 balls in 34 minutes (included 7 sixes in 9 balls) as he won selection for Notts (2) in their tied match with Lancashire.
Opening bowler Handy Hanby ( wickets with balls 9,16 & 38) reduced Hertfordshire to 35/3 despite going for eleven runs in the first over of the match. It was the only double figure conceded in 46 overs. Their innings of note was from Jack Keeping (50 off 96 balls) but 13 balls later an athletic two handed caught and bowled dive to his right by Ryan Findlay started an alarming slide. Three of the awarded lbws looked plumb but Cowell stared daggers at the umpire upon his dismissal. Chapmans did look to be going down the legside though. Excellent Norfolk bowling with only one wide and two no balls conceded (almost unheard of) with Brett Stolworthy taking the last wicket. He bowled a maiden, 5 overs for one run each, one over for 2 and 5 off of his third over.
Hertfordshire collapsed from 127/3 to 148 as they lost 5 wickets in a 27 ball spell.
Sam Arthurton and Tom New with a measured approach coasted to a 139 stand in reply. Sam dominated proceedings with many ‘dance down the pitch’ lofted drives and powerful cuts to reach another 50 off 79 balls in 84 minutes. It has to be said that he never received a ball for 5 completed overs. He was caught following a leg side hoick.
A great result to celebrate my twin grandsons 21st birthday.
Mike Davage
