One run out, one catch, one wicket and two runs. Maybe Andy C should play once every 5 months all the time. Still great to have him back in action, puffing away as usual, but at least now on multi coloured ecigarettes and not the dreaded weed. Added to that Andy H came up with another excellent fixture with the tea very much up to the standard the Ives have come to expect and friendly opposition.
As to the match, Little Berkhamsted went off at quick pace, scoring at close to 8 an over initially and it took Andy C to show what we have been missing in the field with a lightning piece of fielding(!) to run out the opener by the length of the pitch and bring the 1st wicket. The introduction of Lawrence and Adrian slowed the scoring and after the other opener had reached his half century Adrian enticed him down the pitch to bowl him for 66, beating him in the flight and finish with 2 for 27 from 8 overs. With Lawrence taking 1 for 49, Richard 1 for 63 and Andy C in his first spell of the season 1 for 19 and catches for Earle and Lawrence as well as Andy C, Little Berko closed on 224 for 6 at tea.
Andy H got the Ives of to an excellent start with a quick fire 24 and after Phil P fell quickly, the innings continued at an average of 5 an over with scores of 38 from Richard, 23 from Phil K, and 27 from Adrian. Unfortunately no one went on to the big score that might have carried the game home and Ives eventually succumbed, 159 all out but an enjoyable match nonetheless and one o hopefully retain next season.