The 2025 cricket season got off to a flying start for the Roving Reporters as they registered a commanding 71-run victory over Hertingfordbury in their opening fixture on Sunday 27th April.
Club captain Paul Lewis confidently claimed to have won the toss and elected to bat first on what looked like a promising surface. The innings began with Stuart Wiggins opening, but it was Colin who earned the unfortunate honour of recording the first duck of the season, bowled early.
It finally took a composed 43-run stand between Wiggins and Wes Crellin to steady the ship, laying a platform for the fireworks that followed. Mark Walton strode to the crease and delivered a statement innings, smashing an impressive 82 to gain control of the game. Wiggins provided solid support, notching up a well-earned 66, and together they propelled the RRs to a competitive total of 221.
With runs on the board, RRs took to the field with confidence, and their bowling attack did not disappoint with wickets falling at regular intervals. The returning Kyle Richards made his presence felt immediately with two key wickets, while club stalwart Terry Miles rolled back the years with a two-wicket spell of his own.
But the star with the ball was Wes, who backed up his all-round performance with a tight and incisive four-over spell, claiming 3 wickets for just 16 runs. The controlled and spirited performance in the field saw Hertingfordbury bowled out for 150, sealing a comprehensive win for RRs.