With rain firmly embedded in the forecast, the first task of the day was a phone call to the opposition captain at 10:30am. If I am being honest, I was fully expecting the game to be cancelled without a ball being bowled, but the report from Mill Hill was encouraging: the ground was dry, the sun was shining, and cricket remained very much on the agenda.

Given the forecast, we agreed to speak again at 11:30am to avoid unnecessary travel should conditions deteriorate. The second update brought much the same news, so players duly climbed into their vehicles and made the journey down the A10. Upon arrival, it was clear that rain remained a distinct possibility, but there was enough blue sky overhead to justify starting the game. Deep down, everybody knew that the weather would eventually have its say, but there was cricket to be played and we were determined to play it.

For the first time this season, I am delighted to report that I actually won the toss. Recognising both the forecast and the strength of our bowling attack, I elected to bowl first.

Jack and Nav opened the bowling and set about their task with purpose. Jack bowled impressively, maintaining excellent lines and lengths throughout a highly economical spell that deserved greater reward than it ultimately received. Nav worked hard from the opposite end before making way for Steve Price, who immediately looked threatening as he attacked the stumps with intent.

Steve went on to claim two excellent wickets, including one that owed much to a superb catch from Jem, who reached out and plucked the ball one-handed with remarkable ease and complete nonchalance. It was the sort of catch that looked far more difficult than Jem made it appear.

After Jack completed his eight overs for the remarkably miserly return of just 13 runs, Steve Risby entered the attack. With his unique blend of enthusiasm and bowling fuel fully topped up, he immediately began causing problems for the opposition batsmen.

Risby would finish with an outstanding five-wicket haul. One wicket came courtesy of a fine catch from Jack, while the remaining four were the result of devastating swing bowling that repeatedly sent stumps cartwheeling in all directions. It was an impressive spell that kept Ware firmly in the contest.

To their credit, Mill Hill Village continued to score at a reasonable rate despite the regular loss of wickets and were steadily building towards what looked like a competitive total, particularly given the conditions. Throughout the innings there were periods of weather that could generously be described as “unhelpful for cricket”. Nevertheless, we persevered, either through admirable commitment to the cause or stubborn refusal to accept reality. Opinions may differ.

Jamie and I were introduced into the attack and both attempted to maintain tight lines despite being met with increasingly aggressive batting. We stuck to our plans and were eventually rewarded for our efforts. Jamie picked up a wicket thanks to a fine catch from Barney, while I was fortunate enough to claim two wickets of my own, including the final wicket with the last ball of the innings.

At the conclusion of their 40 overs, Mill Hill Village had reached 206 all out. We made our way back to the pavilion for tea and the traditional pastime of staring hopefully out of rain-streaked windows.

As predictably as if following a script written well in advance, the rain soon became too heavy for play to continue. Despite the best efforts of players, captains, and anyone willing to look optimistically at a weather radar, the match was abandoned while we were enjoying our egg and cress sandwiches.

Although the weather ultimately denied us the opportunity to complete the contest, there was still plenty to take from the afternoon. The bowling performance in particular was excellent, highlighted by Risby’s five wickets, Jack’s miserly spell, and a fielding display full of energy and commitment. Throughout the day, spirits remained high and everybody contributed positively, demonstrating exactly the sort of attitude that makes representing Ware Cricket Club such an enjoyable experience.

While the result will remain unfinished, the performance certainly should not. There was much to be encouraged by, and if we can carry the same enthusiasm, teamwork, and commitment into future fixtures, there is every reason to look forward to the weeks ahead. As always, please remember to update your availability promptly for upcoming matches so that preparations can run as smoothly as possible.
Ware CC v Bengeo CC – Sunday 7th July

On a warm and humid Sunday afternoon, Ware CC ventured forth to take on Bengeo under the expert stewardship of skipper Hugh. Or as Eric Morecambe might have put it, "He had all the right plans... not necessarily in the right order."

Before a ball was bowled, special mention must go to Julian the groundsman, who somehow scraped together a green and plausible-looking cricket wicket from conditions that would have tested the patience of the grounds staff at Lord's. Frankly, had he chosen a different career path, he could have been preparing Ashes wickets instead of dealing with us lot.

Ware lost the toss and were invited to bowl. Kev, operating from what appeared to be somewhere near Cambridge, charged in with his trademark run-up and had the ball fizzing around like a firework in a biscuit tin. Batsmen looked thoroughly uncomfortable and, if truth be told, so did several spectators.

It was Zach who claimed the first breakthrough, but only after Meakin produced a magnificent one-handed catch that would have graced any highlights reel. Not to be outdone, Meakin then removed the other opener himself. At this stage Ware were chirpy, optimistic and generally saying things that would come back to haunt them.

The next Bengeo pair then proceeded to put on a partnership of such proportions that calculators were consulted. By halfway they were well into three figures and looking set for a total that might require planning permission.

Ware, however, dug deep. Kev returned with spin to make the breakthrough, while skipper Hugh tossed the ball up with all the temptation of a free buffet, extracting generous turn and claiming two vital wickets. Suddenly Ware were back in the contest.

Hugh rotated his bowlers expertly. John delivered a superb spell, Justen bowled several absolute jaffas which somehow avoided the stumps, bats and anything else remotely wicket-shaped, while Maci again impressed with a fine spell. Risby chipped in with a wicket thanks to a sharp catch from Alex, who also starred with the ball himself. Zach wrapped things up at the end, leaving Ware chasing 184.

The reply got off to a start best described as "brief". Justen and Aftab were soon making their way back to the pavilion, leaving the scoreboard looking rather lonely.

Alex arrived at number four and immediately brightened proceedings with a collection of elegant strokes and running between the wickets so quick it should probably have required a licence. Together with Hugh he restored calm before eventually departing.

Then came the partnership that changed everything.

Kev and Hugh combined for a magnificent century stand of style, substance and the occasional agricultural swipe. Boundaries flowed freely, sixes disappeared into neighbouring postcodes, and Bengeo's hopes gradually evaporated in the afternoon heat.

Carl was undone by a delivery so good it deserved its own round of applause. John "Neverending" Storey then contributed valuable runs, proving once again that if cricket matches lasted three days, he'd still be batting.

With the finish line in sight, Zach joined Hugh and the pair guided Ware home in fine fashion. Kev retired unbeaten on a splendid 58, while Hugh remained a commanding 86 not out, seeing Ware over the line and securing a memorable victory.

A fantastic captain's performance from Hugh, excellent contributions throughout the side, and another enjoyable afternoon of cricket.

As Ernie Wise might have said, "It was all beautifully planned."

And as Eric Morecambe would probably have replied, "You can tell by the scorebook we made most of it up as we went along."

Thanks to everyone for playing!