Local cricket club celebrates first ever league game

Aldenham cricket club marked its first ever league game in its 44-year history with an emphatic win over Hatch End 2s by 111 runs last month (May). After losing the toss, first game nerves left Aldenham reeling at 20-3 in the 40 overs a side format, before Charlie Munroe hammered out 139, the second century of his career. Munroe and batting partner Dan Wells (74) built a fourth wicket stand of 230 before the innings closed on 277 for 7. Then the Aldenham bowlers rapidly had Hatch End struggling on 48 for 5 before they were eventually dismissed for 166, thanks to a last wicket stand of 54. “It’s been a big decision for us to start playing league cricket,” says Aldenham’s chairman, Simon Letts. “Ever since we were founded in 1972, we have played non-league games, preferring the less tense atmosphere of ‘friendlies’ to provide a good standard of cricket and create a warm, family atmosphere. “We’ve attracted many good players who have preferred to play for us rather than in more competitive games for bigger clubs. “But recent years have seen a decline in the standard of Saturday fixtures as more and more clubs join leagues. and it’s become increasingly difficult to find good, competitive Saturday fixtures.” Last year, for instance, the opposition simply did not show up at one home game despite repeated promises to Aldenham’s fixtures secretary. Then at an away game, hastily arranged because the original opposition had dropped out, the club arrived at the ground to ask where was the pitch. The reply was: “Still in the shed!” They used a matting wicket they rolled out onto a rough surface, Aldenham bowled the hosts out for under 50 and headgear was essential. “League cricket is an exciting new challenge for us and we are looking forward to some great competitive cricket this season,” says Letts. Aldenham puts out one side each Saturday and Sunday, takes part in the Watford Observer Knockout trophy and has twice won the tournament’s Plate competition. The club plays in Regional Division C West of the Saracens Herts league and its ground, opposite Aldenham church, is hosted by Aldenham Social Club.