12th May saw rain fall, faces sad and the type of depression which only comes with a grey Saturday in the cricket season set upon the club.

But – with the fantastic draining system, and some good luck, the OE’s pitch was ready for a day of 2xT20s.

The first visitors to Gypsy Lane were league and local rivals Cockfosters.

The hosts boasted the return of one half of the “Social Secs” in the form of Edward Charles Kiddle. What a man he is.

The game began with bang as Jimmy Heavey and newly promoted opener Shaikh ‘your tail feather’ Rahman latching onto anything short and punishing anything over pitched to get OE’s off to a flyer. Jimmy (24) after some lusty blows was first man to go which bought in form Gomesy to the crease who played, what are now becoming, trademark big hits in a very swift 26. Shaikh was standing firm at the other end and entered into a smart partnership with Kazi Hoq as the two ran well as well as hitting the ball big at the right time. OE’s through 10 overs were well on top.

But an OE’s match is not a match without a wobble! The wicket of Shaikh (33) was quickly followed by Tush, Scutt and Kiddle for ducks in one wonderful over from opposition captain Sam Barker.

Shelley Greenland was next in, and looking to get a good partnership with Kazi reminiscent of last weekend’s heroics, but he also departed for a duck to leave the team in disarray. Holland in his now customary number 9 spot entered and steadied the ship sharing a 26 run partnership with Kazi and the pair ran brilliantly between the wickets. He was then replaced by Captain Saqi and the team finally posted 148 a score which was felt to be challenging if not intimidating.

With the ball, OE’s opened up with Anish and Gomesy and were both on the money from the start. Beating the bat of the right handed Stokes regularly and putting pressure on Barker. The first wicket came by way of a run out as Stokes sold his captain down the river and refused to take the second run on offer – Barker gone for 8. This allowed OE’s to attack in the form of Gomes and then Saqi as they clean bowled numbers 3, 4 and 5 in quick time leaving OE’s on top. Shelley got some good heat going at one end and then Kazi spun a fine weave at the other as OE’s continued to press.

The stoic Stokes remained at one end and was the only man to make double figures, but despite trying to manipulate the strike could not get Cockfosters going at full pace and was finally out brilliantly caught and bowled by Hoq for 53.

Despite some great endeavour from Corken, OE’s raced to the winning line, and were able to win by 55 runs.

A good game, and a great start to the day.

#comeoneyoueeees

Written by Matt Holland

Scorecard: http://oeherts.play-cricket.com/website/results/3674563