2013 campaign starts with a great win

Having won the toss on one of the greenest Stortford wickets seen for a long time, West Herts had no hesitation in asking BSCC to bat first.

The 2nd XI quickly found themselves in trouble at 31-3, following the losses of Stuart Felstead, Taylor Weeks and Tommy Burslem to decent spells from the West Herts opening bowlers.

Dean Lloyd, batting at number 3, gave the innings much needed stability with an invaluable half-century that showed the virtues of patience and good shot selection. Having established a solid platform from which to build, the innings then centred around a succession of productive partnerships led by an excellent 61 from Johnnie Smith. Positive running and the ability to (quite literally) hit the bad ball 'up a tree', Tom Makin, Andy O'Donovan and Mark Townsend propelled the innings towards an imposing 236-7 at the end of 53 overs.

Whatever ambition West Herts may have had of chasing down this total was quickly extinguished by superb spells from Jack Williams and Mark Townsend. They demolished the West Herts top order and at 36-7, the contest was all but decided.

Highlights included Towner hooping a ball back through the defences of the West Herts captain for a first ball duck, and Tom Makin's outstanding catch at second slip off the same bowler. Jack Williams applied his usual blend of control and swing (aided by excellent wicket-keeping from Alex Cleaves) to take 4-25, and Mark Townsend finished with equally impressive figures of 4-38.

With only the West Herts number 6, Justin Edgar, showing any real resistance, Tommy Burslem applied the final blows by taking two wickets with successive deliveries to wrap up a comprehensive victory. A magnificent way to start the league season!