Thrills, spills, and bellyache at Ascots Lane on Saturday as the Hertfordshire League match between Hatfield & Crusaders and Watford Town II swung one way and then back again.

Having lost the toss and being asked to bat first, Hatfield’s innings began badly with top-scorer Ben Gethin-Golder lasting for only two deliveries. Yugal Kalaskar was also soon back in the pavilion as Hatfield was reduced to 12 runs for two wickets after 6 overs.

Things were about to get a whole lot worse for the home side when the total had reached 29. Hatfield lost Aman Singh, Matt Jennings, and Ben Clark in the space of five balls, with Clark out for a golden duck.

With Hatfield now staring down the barrel, Arjun Mettu (33) and Juvin James (27) led a spirited fightback by adding 53 runs for the sixth wicket, offering hope of posting a competitive total. However, wickets continued to fall, and at 102 for eight, Hatfield was still in all kinds of trouble.

Rory Gethin-Golder, batting at No. 8, continued to demonstrate the recent maturity in his batting and, along with Sauraab Bezlawar, added 44 runs for the ninth wicket. Gethin-Golder, who had just launched a counter-offensive, departed for 33 from only 35 deliveries.

Bezlawar continued to bat with finesse that suggested he could do a job higher up the order than No. 10. Supported well by the veteran Ian Golder, they added an invaluable 20 runs for the last wicket, with the innings closing with Hatfield all out for 164 and the dismissal of Golder, who seemed to suggest the decision was a marginal one, leaving Bezlawar unbeaten on 23.

Buoyed by his batting prowess, Rory Gethin-Golder (3-34) produced a devastating opening spell of fast bowling, ripping through Watford’s top order and leaving the visitors reeling at just 7 runs for three wickets.

Hatfield ramped up the pressure, and when Hussain decided to take on Ian Golder, a contender for the catch of the season by Matt Jennings on the long-on boundary put Hatfield firmly in the driving seat, with the scoreboard showing 25 for 4.

At this point, the pendulum began to swing again as Hatfield’s attack started to lose impetus. By the time the drinks break had been reached, the atmosphere had become flat, and the match was drifting towards a Watford victory.

Then, a moment of madness changed the direction of the match definitively in Hatfield’s favour, with Hanif needlessly running himself out for 58.

This proved to be the catalyst that Hatfield needed, and a likely defeat very quickly became a victory as, thanks to the bowling of Deepak Hasiza (3-7) and Bezlawar (2-25), Watford lost their last six wickets for 15 runs (the final four for 4 runs). The Watford innings closed on 125 all out, with Hatfield winning by 39 runs.

Meanwhile, the 2nd XI was involved in a high-scoring encounter with Cheshunt Rosedale II.

Batting first, the Hatfield innings didn’t begin promisingly, with none of the top three managing double figures, and they found themselves at 28 for three and then 54 for 4.

At this juncture, Preet Singh was joined in the middle by stand-in skipper Urvish Mistry (65), and the innings was transformed. By the time Singh had been dismissed for 51, his third half-century of the season, the pair had added 124 runs for the fifth wicket, a new high since the merger in 2012.

Singh’s dismissal brought about a mini-collapse as four wickets fell for just 3 runs; however, Keyur Mistry (22) and Pravnac Bhat (26) added 50 valuable runs for the ninth wicket before the innings closed at 238 all out.

Unfortunately, with the exception of Gareth Wynne (10 overs, 2 for 26), the Hatfield bowlers were unable to contain the Cheshunt batters, who reached their target for the loss of six wickets. Amaan Jain, on debut, also picked up a couple of wickets, finishing with figures of 2 for 51.

Hatfield’s 3rd XI produced one of their better batting performances of the summer, but it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat against their counterparts from Hatfield Hyde.

Nikhil Jonnalagadda (2-30) and Sagar Gnana (2-32) were the pick of the Hatfield bowlers in Hyde’s total of 192 for six from their allotted 40 overs.

Barry Phillips (46) played a captain’s innings at the top of the order but received little support from his fellow batters, with only Jonnalagadda (18) and Jonnalagadda (11) reaching double figures.

Venkata Prasanna, batting at No. 9, made an impressive 29 and was involved in a last-wicket partnership of 20. The Hatfield innings closed on 149 all out, a deficit of 43 runs.

Ben Gethin-Golder’s fine form with the bat helped Hatfield & Crusaders knock up their highest total in six seasons as they dodged the showers in Southgate.

Southgate Adelaide were left to rue their decision to ask Hatfield to bat first, with Gethin-Golder dominating the early stages of the innings as the first two wickets added 74 to the total, with Aman Singh contributing 17 runs.

The arrival of Arjun Mettu at the crease resulted in a quickening of the tempo, and when Mettu was caught 20 overs later for 69, he and Gethin-Golder had added 118 runs for the 3rd wicket, setting the stage for a large total.

Hatfield suffered a slight wobble with Matt Jennings departing swiftly, but Ben Clark (19) helped maintain the momentum while Gethin-Golder reached his first century in Hatfield colours in a decade, eventually dismissed for a magnificent 104.

A cameo from Rory Gethin-Golder (15 not out) in the dying overs helped lift the final score to 264 for 7 wickets, with the innings having been reduced to 48 overs as a result of the rain.

The father and son opening attack of Ian Golder (2 for 36) and Rory Gethin-Golder (3 for 15) blitzed their way through Southgate’s upper order, and having reduced them to 56 for 5, the match was as good as Hatfield’s.

The lower-order batsmen rallied, but they had been left with too much work to do and wickets from Clark (2 for 17), Sauraab Bezlawar (2 for 25), and Juvin James (1 for 17) ended Southgate’s run-chase on 170 all out, Hatfield victorious by 94 runs and 30 points to the good.

At Ascots Lane, in a match reduced to 40 overs a side due to the weather, Hatfield 2nd XI’s opening bowlers failed to make early inroads, and it was the veteran slow bowler Gareth Wynne (1-13) and 4th change Keyur Mistry (1-32) who took the early wickets.

Momentum swung in Hatfield’s favour when Hasitha Colobage returned to the attack, taking three quick wickets to reduce Southgate Adelaide II to 115 for 6. However, Hatfield were unable to take full advantage, and the visitors’ innings finished with a score of 148 for 8 wickets.

The Hatfield reply began in disastrous fashion, and after only two deliveries, Mark Collins and Rory Faraday had both returned to the pavilion. Preet Singh followed soon after, and Hatfield were reeling at 6 runs for 3 wickets.

Anthony D’Rozario (26) and Heath Bond (46), returning from injury, led the fightback with a 74 partnership for the 4th wicket, but the dismissal of D’Rozario signalled a disappointing collapse as the final six Hatfield wickets could only advance the total by 33 runs. Hatfield were all out for 113 and defeated by 35 runs.

At Newgate Street, the 3rd XI snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in a very low-scoring affair.

Hatfield’s bowlers had done the hard work, debutant Raghu Relangi (2-28), Alan Jakes (1-17), Rohan Vodapalli (4-17), and Pravnav Bhat (2-4) all in the wickets as Old Elizabethans III were bowled out for just 69.

Not for the first time this season, the 3rd XI batting failed to shine, and without a single batsman reaching double figures, they were dismissed for 47.

On Sunday, Juvin James finally tasted victory as captain of the T/20 XI at Old Finchleians.

Ian Golder (1-21) and Raghu Suryar (1-19) bowled well in the power play to keep the score below 40. Aided by an outstanding fielding display, Hatfield were able to restrict the home team to 130 for 7 from their 20 overs, with Towfiq Mannan (2-21) the pick of the bowlers.

In reply, Hatfield made much better use of the power play with Aman Sofat (28) and James (40) taking the total to 60 runs without loss.

With the openers departed and the score at 78 for 2, Daryl Mlotshwa took control of the innings, hitting the winning run with four deliveries to spare and 6 wickets in hand, finishing with 31 not out.

Hatfield & Crusaders celebrated a thrilling victory over local rivals Hatfield Hyde at Ascots Lane on Saturday, securing the much-coveted local bragging rights.

Having been asked to bat first, Hatfield faced an early setback with the dismissal of Juvin James. However, Ben Gethin-Golder displayed his recent good form, contributing 41 runs before being caught, leaving the score at 61 for 2. Yugal Kalaskar took charge with a solid knock of 43, supported by Arjun Mettu (17) and Ben Clark. Their contributions helped Hatfield reach 122 runs when Kalaskar was the fifth batsman to depart.

It was then captain Clark who played a commanding innings, dominating the remaining 16 overs. Falling just short of a well-deserved half-century, he remained unbeaten on 46. Hatfield concluded their 50 overs with a competitive total of 209 for the loss of 8 wickets.

In response, Hatfield Hyde started aggressively, racing at a rate of over six runs per over without losing a wicket until Ian Golder claimed the crucial leg before wicket dismissal of the dangerous Shashita Fernando for 53. The decision to introduce slower-paced deliveries proved decisive, and despite a few missed opportunities in the field, Deepak Hasiza (3-37) and Sauraab Bezlawar (3-32) swung the game back in Hatfield's favour. Hasiza's dismissal of Suhail Cader for 68 proved pivotal.

With 38 runs needed and just one wicket remaining, victory seemed within reach. However, a spirited last-wicket partnership made for a tense finish. In the end, it was Ben Clark's spectacular catch on the boundary that sealed the victory for Hatfield, dismissing Hyde for 191 and securing an 18-run win.

Meanwhile, the 2nd XI found themselves in a nail-biting encounter against Herttingfordbury. The Hatfield innings started slowly, and despite several batsmen getting starts, they struggled to build significant partnerships, reaching 64 for 4 after 25 overs. Urvish Mistry and Preet Singh then formed a crucial 5th wicket partnership, adding 72 runs in just 10 overs before Singh was dismissed lbw for 50, marking his second half-century of the season. Singh and Aman Sofat (16) maintained the scoring rate, but following Mistry's dismissal, just two runs shy of a fifty, the tailenders failed to offer much resistance. Disappointingly, Hatfield failed to bat out their full 50 overs, being all out for 186.

Hasitha Colobage (3-29) provided Hatfield with an excellent start, bowling the Hertingfordbury captain for 3. Supported by Aman Sofat (1-26) and Gareth Wynne (2-15), Colobage moved the team into a winning position at 119 for 6. However, Hatfield's missing a bowler due to injuries proved costly. Although Abhi Chinthamaneni managed to claim a couple of wickets (2-40), Ambler (51) and Moffett (42 not out) took advantage of the situation, frustrating the visitors and eventually securing victory with just four deliveries remaining.

Hatfield's 3rd XI celebrated their first win of the season against Broxbourne IV at Newgate Street, allowing them to climb off the bottom of Division 10 East.

Barry Phillips played a pivotal role in the Hatfield innings, batting throughout to achieve an unbeaten 54. Other noteworthy contributions came from Krishna Guruju (17), Nikhil Jonnalagadda (19), and Don Purohit (14), who added 41 runs for the 5th wicket alongside Phillips, enabling Hatfield to post a total of 156 for 9 in their 40 overs.

Broxbourne started their reply comfortably until Rohan Vodapalli (2-27) made the breakthrough, dismissing both opening batsmen. Andy Foster's exceptional spell of 8 overs yielded just 3 runs while taking 2 wickets, increasing the pressure on the Broxbourne batsmen. Nikhil Jonnalagadda also contributed with 2 wickets for 7 runs. Eventually, Broxbourne was bowled out for 147 runs, falling short of Hatfield's total by 9 runs.

An understrength Hatfield & Crusaders cricket team travelled to Clarence Park on Saturday to face league leaders St Albans II.

The afternoon started with a promising partnership as Juvin James contributed 28 runs, forming a solid foundation with 35 runs for the first wicket. However, the dismissal of Yugal Kalaskar triggered a batting collapse, leaving Hatfield in a dire situation at 59 for 5.

Lewis Wynne, making a return to the 1st XI, showed resilience by scoring 30 runs, and Rory Gethin-Golder, promoted up the order, joined the fightback. Their partnership of 47 runs raised hopes of Hatfield posting a competitive total. However, after Gethin-Golder's dismissal for 26, the lower order struggled to provide significant resistance, and Hatfield was bowled out for a modest 130 runs.

The St Albans batsmen appeared composed throughout their chase and never seemed to be in any danger. They efficiently scored the required runs in just 27.4 overs, losing only two wickets in the process. Deepak Hasiza and Gethin-Golder were the wicket takers for Hatfield.

The 3rd XI showcased a much-improved performance by posting their highest total of the season against Potters Bar IV. However, despite their efforts, they ultimately finished second best.

Hatfield's innings got off to a challenging start, with Raj Garikipati (29) being the sole batsman among the top six to reach double figures. However, the lower order demonstrated resilience with valuable contributions from Pravnav Bhat (22), Nikhil Jonnalagadda (11), Rohan Vodapalli (16), and Venkata Prasanna (27). These contributions led to Hatfield's total of 166, highlighted by a commendable 41-run ninth-wicket partnership between Vodapalli and Prasanna.

While stand-in skipper Urvish Mistry (2-35) took an early wicket, a century from the Potters Bar No. 3 batsman shifted the match in their favor, ultimately resulting in a 5-wicket victory. Abhi Chinthamaneni was the standout bowler for Hatfield, claiming 2 wickets for 28 runs.

Hatfield's hopes of qualifying from their T/20 group were significantly diminished following a heavy defeat against Letchworth at Ascots Lane on Sunday.

With Letchworth scoring a challenging 171 for 4 in their 20 overs, Hatfield faced an uphill battle. Although Juvin James (14), Ben Clark (20), and Amit Singh (20) made runs, they did so at a pace that left the lower order with an insurmountable task. Hatfield ended their innings at a disappointing 84 all out, succumbing to defeat by a margin of 94 runs.

It was a disappointing weekend for Hatfield & Crusaders Cricket Club with all four matches played ending in defeat.

At Ascots Lane on Saturday, against Old Camdenians, an early wicket for Rory Gethin-Golder (1 for 23) proved to be a false dawn for the 1st XI, and it was a long wait until Arjun Mettu (1 for 17) broke the second-wicket partnership.

A flurry of wickets, aided by two run outs, gave hope of restricting the visitors' total. However, some stolid resistance from the tailenders enabled Camdenians to finish their 50 overs with a total of 192 for 8, with Juvin James collecting 2 wickets for 42 runs.

Ben Gethin-Golder (21) showed intent at the beginning of Hatfield’s reply, but with Yugal Kalaskar and Mettu falling in the space of three deliveries, the innings had stuttered to 22 for 2.

Skipper Ben Clark (19), with assistance from Gethin-Golder and Matt Jennings, dragged the total up to 65 for 3, but with Clark’s dismissal, Hatfield were up against it and were soon reeling at 92 for 8. Rory Gethin-Golder and Aman Sofat both reached double figures, but Hatfield’s replay ended at 120 all out and defeat by 78 runs.

Meanwhile, the 2nd XI was narrowly defeated in a low-scoring affair against Potters Bar III.

Batting first, Hatfield lost captain Mark Collins for a duck before Anthony D’Rosario (15) and Raj Garikipati (19) added 28 for the second wicket. Lewis Wynne (27), in partnership with Garikipati and Urvish Mistry, lifted the total to 81 for 4, when a mini-collapse set in, and the total soon became 81 for 7.

Abhi Chinthamaneni (17) provided some much-needed resistance in the lower order before Hatfield were bowled out for 123.

Urvish Mistry (3-35) and Venkata Prasanna (1-17) struck early to keep Hatfield in the game, and with Keyur Mistry (3-25) also amongst the wickets, Hatfield sensed victory. However, it was not to be as Hughes, batting at No. 8, held the Potters Bar innings together with an unbeaten 55 to guide his side to a two-wicket victory.

It was to be another disappointing afternoon for the 3rd XI against Hotwhites III. A slight improvement on recent weeks saw them dismissed for 85, a total which was passed by their opponents for the loss of just one wicket.

On Sunday, the T/20 XI travelled to Bishops Stortford to complete a miserable weekend.

Batting first, Stortford amassed 140 runs for 8 wickets from their 20 overs, with Juvin James (2-19) and Ben Clark (2-27) the pick of the bowlers.

In reply, Hatfield lost early wickets before Ben Gethin-Golder (20) and Matt Jennings (27) rebuilt the innings. However, with the run-rate against them, Hatfield were unable to threaten the target and finished on 124 for 8.

Hatfield & Crusaders defied a treacherous pitch to conquer Old Haberdashers on Saturday, securing their second consecutive victory in Hertfordshire Cricket League Division 4A.

After winning the toss, a severely depleted Hatfield side chose to bat first. Led by the resolute third XI skipper, Barry Phillips, they got off to a solid start, with 31 runs accumulated for the opening partnership. However, the dismissal of Phillips (28) triggered a collapse, as Matt Jennings, Preet Singh, and stand-in skipper Aman Singh fell in quick succession. Hatfield found themselves teetering at a perilous 57 for 5.

While Arjun Mettu remained at the crease, Hatfield clung to hopes of reaching a respectable total. But once he was dismissed for 21 with the score at 76, the remaining batsmen offered little resistance. Hatfield crumbled to a paltry 93 all out, with Sauraab Bezlawar (10) being the sole batsman to reach double figures.

Old Haberdashers' response benefited initially from some wayward bowling, with Hatfield conceding too many extras in the form of wides. However, the home side had no answer to the bowling prowess of Rory Gethin-Golder (3-24) and Mettu (4-26). As the score dwindled to a precarious 57 for 7, Hatfield firmly seized control. A spirited last-wicket partnership narrowed the gap to 7 runs, but Ian Golder (1-4) dismissed Vinay Popat leg before wicket to end Haberdashers' innings at 86. Hatfield secured a crucial 30 points, coincidentally the same number of extras conceded.

With temperatures soaring to around 30℃ at Ascots Lane, Hatfield's 2nd XI endured a grueling three and a half hours in the field against Abbots Langley II.

The day began promisingly as Aman Sofat (1-53) and Raj Garikapati (1-51) swiftly dismissed two Abbots' batsmen for ducks, reducing them to 22 for 2. Unfortunately, that was the extent of Hatfield's success. The subsequent innings witnessed a batting masterclass, highlighted by a formidable partnership of 164 runs for the third wicket. Abbots concluded their innings with an imposing total of 319 for 4 from their allotted 50 overs. Alan Jakes (1-32) and Keyur Mistry (1-57) managed to claim a wicket each amidst the batting onslaught.

In response, Mark Collins (46) exhibited true aggression alongside Anthony D'Rozario (23), forging a swift opening partnership of 75 runs. However, following Collins' departure, the scoring rate diminished, and wickets tumbled alarmingly. Hatfield found themselves reeling at 111 for 9, with the game slipping away. A defiant last-wicket stand of 40 runs between Jakes (15) and Venkata Prasanna (14 not out) lent a modicum of respectability to Hatfield's final tally of 151 all out. Nevertheless, it couldn't avert the humbling defeat by a margin of 168 runs.

Hatfield & Crusaders secured their first Hertfordshire Cricket League victory of the season on Saturday at Ascots Lane against Cheshunt Rosedale, in a match truncated due to a horrific injury sustained by the visitors' opening batsman, Niro Sritharan.

Cheshunt won the toss and opted to bat first but encountered early trouble with Rory Gethin-Golder claiming a wicket in his first over. Cheshunt's difficulties worsened when Sritharan collapsed in evident discomfort, believed to be due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. The match was delayed as they awaited an ambulance, and when play finally resumed, it was reduced to a 44-over affair.

The visitors had been making steady, albeit slow, progress until Gareth Wynne (3-21) and Sauraab Bezlawar (3-29) dismantled the middle order, putting Hatfield in a commanding position. Gethin-Golder returned to the attack to claim his second wicket of the day (2-32), and after a spirited last-wicket partnership, Juvin James (1-19) brought the Cheshunt innings to a close at a total of 125 all out.

Stand-in skipper Ben Gethin-Golder (16) and Yugal Kalaskar provided Hatfield with a solid start in their chase, putting on a steady opening partnership of 43. When Gethin-Golder was dismissed, he would have been confident in his side's ability to finish the job. Arjun Mettu and Kalaskar propelled Hatfield into a commanding position at 81 for 1, but a brief period of self-destruction began when Mettu ran out his partner for 37. Two overs later, Heath Bond fell victim to another run-out, this time due to his own mistake. Five balls later, Urvish Mistry handed a catch to second slip, causing some nerves among the remaining Hatfield batsmen.

However, they needn't have worried as Matt Jennings (15 not out), playing fluently, and Mettu (39 not out) comfortably scored the remaining runs without any further scares, leading Hatfield to a six-wicket victory.

At Stevenage, for the second consecutive week, Hatfield's 2nd XI failed to defend a score exceeding 200 runs.

Skipper Mark Collins displayed great determination at the top of the Hatfield innings, contributing 47 to a 63-run opening partnership. Despite Yasir Shafi's contribution of 20, the middle order lost its way, and with only 12 overs remaining, the score had stuttered to 131 for 6. However, a blazing 90-run partnership between Preet Singh and Towfiq Mannan (33), scored in just 11 overs, revived their innings. At the end of the 50 overs, Hatfield posted 229 for the loss of 7 wickets, with Singh remaining unbeaten on 50.

In response, Stevenage began their chase in fine fashion, forging an opening stand of 122, significantly reducing the target. Yasir Shafi was the lone Hatfield bowler who made an impact, claiming four wickets (4-50). However, his efforts were not enough to prevent Stevenage from securing a four-wicket victory.

At Newgate Street, it was another disappointing afternoon for Hatfield's 3rd XI. Batting first, Hatfield were dismissed for a paltry 39 runs, including five ducks. Botany Bay II wasted no time in their reply, chasing down the target without losing a wicket in just 8 overs.

In a valiant effort, Ben Gethin-Golder showcased his batting prowess with 97, his highest score for the club since 2013. However, Hatfield & Crusaders fell short of victory against Watford Town. Opting to bat first, Gethin-Golder and Yugal Kalaskar provided a solid foundation with a 76-run opening partnership. Unfortunately, Kalaskar departed for 21, but skipper Ben Clark joined Gethin-Golder to carry the momentum forward. The pair contributed significantly, taking the score to 165 before Clark was dismissed for a well-played 43. Regrettably, Hatfield struggled to maintain momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals. Despite Gethin-Golder's dismissal, just three runs shy of a century, Aman Singh fought valiantly, remaining unbeaten on 23. Hatfield concluded their innings at 223 for 7 from their allotted 50 overs.

In response, Watford Town's batsmen, though initially frustrated by Ian Golder and Rory Gethin-Golder’s tight bowling, held their ground until the introduction of Juvin James (3 for 36) into the attack. James made an impact, claiming the first two wickets to fall. Hatfield's supporting bowlers struggled to control the run rate, and when Gethin-Golder dismissed Watford captain Farhan Hussain for 64, the home side required a mere 25 runs to win with five wickets in hand. Eventually, Watford reached their target with 15 balls to spare, losing seven wickets along the way.

Meanwhile, Hatfield's 2^nd XI also displayed a strong start in their match against Cheshunt Rosedale II, thanks to an exceptional opening partnership of 97 between Arjun Mettu and Anthony D'Rosario. Mettu departed after a fine half-century, scoring 56, his highest for the club. Despite losing a wicket soon after, D'Rosario took charge and propelled the innings forward. However, after his dismissal for 41, Hatfield faced a stumbling block and their total began to falter. Preet Singh was the only middle-order batsman who shone, scoring a hard-fought 20. It was the arrival of Aman Sofat at No. 9 that swung the momentum back in Hatfield's favour. Sofat's quickfire unbeaten 20 in just 2.3 overs lifted Hatfield to a respectable score of 204 for 7.

In Cheshunt's reply, Sofat contributed with two wickets for 32 runs, while veteran slow-bowler Gareth Wynne showcased his guile, claiming two wickets for 32 in his full allocation of 10 overs. The match hung in the balance, with Hatfield slight favourites, but Cheshunt's Winter (49), along with Blaby (34 not out) and Gough (23 not out), shifted the game in their favour, leading Hatfield to a 4-wicket defeat with 15 deliveries remaining.

Unfortunately, it was an afternoon to forget for Hatfield's 3^rd XI as they faced local rivals Hatfield Hyde III. Hyde made a promising start while batting, but first-change bowler Rohan Vodapalli turned the tide, taking four wickets, including a sharp catch by wicket-keeper Leigh Parkhouse, conceding just 9 runs. Once Vodapalli completed his overs, Hyde regained control and finished their innings at 199 for 8 in 40 overs. Late in the innings, Sharaaz Jaffar (3-48) picked up important wickets for Hatfield.

Unfortunately, Hatfield's reply never gained momentum, with none of their batsmen reaching double figures. The lackluster batting display resulted in a meagre total of 49 all out. The situation could have been even more dismal if not for the contribution of 21 extras.

Under the radiant sun at Ascots Lane, the cricketing action finally unfolded, putting an end to the gloomy spell of recent weeks. However, Hatfield & Crusaders Cricket Club’s 1^st XI may have wished for a continuation of the rain showers after their fortunes on the day.

Upon losing the toss and being sent in to bat, Hitchin II made a measured start to their innings. Yet, the introduction of the talented Amit Singh (4-36) into the attack swiftly bore fruit, claiming two quick wickets. Deepak Hasiza joined Singh at the party, as the pair snared two wickets in as many overs, thereby reducing Hitchin to a precarious 64 for 4 and firmly placing Hatfield in the driver's seat.

However, the home side’s fielding displayed a touch of rustiness following the winter break, with several missed opportunities preventing Hatfield from capitalising on their advantageous position. Eventually, a promising 59-run partnership for the 5th wicket was curtailed when Hann found the safe hands of Lewis Wynne off the bowling of Singh. Hatfield struck again in consecutive overs, with Singh once again involved, this time taking a catch off the bowling of Daryl Mlotshwa.

At 122 for 6 on the scoreboard, the game hung in the balance. Alas, some wayward bowling allowed Hitchin to regain the initiative. Despite a late burst of wickets from Juvin James (2-36), the visitors concluded their allotted 50 overs with a respectable total of 202 for 9.

The Ascots Lane pitch lacked the demons that haunted it the previous season, yet Hatfield's top-order batsmen faltered against straight deliveries. Their poor start was compounded when Ben Gethin-Golder misjudged a quick single, leaving Hatfield reeling at 9 for 4—a situation from which recovery seemed improbable.

Though Matt Jennings (15) and skipper Ben Clark (22) exhibited some fine stroke-play, igniting hopes of a miraculous victory, their efforts were in vain. With only Rory Gethin-Golder (11) offering any resistance from the tail, Hatfield succumbed to a disappointing defeat, bowled out for a paltry 68, falling short by a massive 134 runs.

Buoyed by the previous week’s success, the 2^nd XI embarked on their journey to Weston, hoping to extend their winning streak. However, by tea, those hopes appeared bleak as the home team amassed a formidable 258 for 9. Weston had aspirations for an even larger total at 202 for 2, before Keyer Mistry intervened, removing the well-set batsmen and concluding with impressive figures of 5 for 36.

When opener Preet Singh departed for a second-ball duck, chasing 259 seemed a daunting task. Yet, Hatfield displayed resilience as Mark Collins (40) and Heath Bond combined for a rapid 119-run partnership for the second wicket. Bond then spearheaded the charge, contributing 32 runs to a 39-run stand with Raj Garikipati for the third wicket. Hatfield’s hopes remained intact as long as Bond was at the crease, making his dismissal agonizingly close to a century all the more devastating. Bond's valiant 97, studded with 20 boundaries, was cut short leaving 90 runs required from 15 overs and six wickets in hand. Nonetheless, Urvish Mistry (22) and Anthony D'Rosario fought to keep Hatfield in contention. However, when the last man, Alan Jakes, arrived at the crease, the target of 26 runs seemed distant. Entering the final over, needing 14 runs for victory, D'Rosario's innings came to an end at 25, and Hatfield fell 13 runs short of the target.

The 3^rd XI’s innings against Mill Hill Village III showcased a noteworthy 60-run partnership for the 9^th wicket between Abhi Chinthamaneni (31) and Venkata Prasanna (29). Earlier on, only Yasir Shafi (21) and Nikhil Jonnalagadda (26) displayed any resistance as Hatfield stumbled to 20 for 4, and subsequently, 62 for 7. However, the lower order rallied, propelling the total to a respectable 153 all out.

In response, Mill Hill encountered no trouble whatsoever and despite Shafi's late burst of wickets (4-41), they surpassed Hatfield’s total, losing five wickets with a comfortable eight overs to spare.

On Sunday at Ascots Lane, Hatfield & Crusaders embarked on their campaign in the Readers County T-20 Cup against Old Finchleians.

The opening duo of Yugal Kalaskar (16) and the newly appointed captain, Juvin James (26), provided a solid foundation, adding 30 runs for the 1st wicket. However, Hatfield's progress was hindered by the regular loss of wickets, resulting in a scoring rate that hovered around 7 runs per over throughout the innings. The highlight of the batting display was a resilient 5^th wicket partnership worth 40 runs between Amit Singh and Aman Singh. Aman Singh remained unbeaten on 35 as Hatfield managed to reach a total of 140 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs.

Old Finchleians responded with an impressive opening partnership, accumulating 85 runs in just 11 overs, placing them in a commanding position. Although Hatfield's bowlers, Juvin James (2-21) and Amit Singh (2-23), caused a momentary stumble as Old Finchleians went from 85 for 0 to 101 for 4, it was not enough to stop the visitors. In the end, Old Finchleians secured a victory by 5 wickets, successfully chasing down the target.

In typical British fashion, Hatfield & Crusaders’ 1^st XI found themselves yet again at the mercy of Mother Nature as the ongoing inclement weather rendered the Ascots Lane outfield akin to a battlefield and, as such, their scheduled fixture against Southgate Adelaide was inevitably cancelled.

However, the rain relented in North London where Hatfield's 2^nd XI found a saviour in the form of Sauraab Bezlawar, who put in an inspired performance to help his team to an 18-run victory over Southgate Adelaide II with a remarkable five-wicket haul.

On a murky day with a surface resembling a lush meadow, Hatfield were in early trouble after losing the toss, slumping to a precarious 20 for three with both Mark Collins and Lewis Wynne dismissed for a duck.

A boundary-spree from Heath Bond and Rory Faraday (15) helped steady the ship as they put on 31 runs for the 4^th wicket. However, when Bond was caught for 20, Hatfield were left reeling at 60 for five.

With the scorecard reading 75 for seven, reaching a respectable three-figure total seemed a tall order. Nevertheless, a resilient unbeaten 19 from Bezlawar and support from the lower order helped add a crucial 44 runs for the final three wickets, including a 20-run partnership for the 9^th wicket with debutant Daryl Mlotshwa.

Hatfield’s final score of 119 all out was somewhat buoyed by the bonus of 34 extras, with a staggering 29 wides being the main contributor.

In response, Southgate Adelaide seemed to be cruising towards a comfortable victory after adding 41 runs to the scoreboard. However, Mlotshwa (2-23) drew first blood with his debut wicket for the club, Bezlawar holding the catch.

Although two quick wickets from Hasitha Colobage (1-20) and Mlotshwa halted Adelaide's progress, with the score at 75 for three, the home team was still in the driving seat.

The match took an unexpected turn with the introduction of Bezlawar into the attack, who quickly claimed the prized scalps of Simms (32) and Flett (15), triggering a dramatic collapse from 87 for five to 101 all out, with the Southgate tail failing to show the same resilience as Hatfield’s. Bezlawar, supported by Preet Singh (2-14), ended with an impressive analysis of 6.4 overs, 2 maidens, 5 wickets for just 9 runs.

The weather had also taken its toll on the ground at Newgate Street, leading to the cancellation of the 3^rd XI’s match against Old Elizabethans III.

In stark contrast to the rain-free 2022 season, Hatfield & Crusaders Cricket Club's 2023 Hertfordshire Cricket League campaign got off to a damp start. The same wet weather that had disrupted the entire pre-season schedule forced the cancellation of the 1^st XI's fixture at Dunstable II, as well as the 2^nd XI's match against Old Elizabethans II at Ascots Lane and the 3rd XI at Old Camdenians II.