A real team performance from Goodrich CC 1st XI saw them extend their 100% start to the season as they overcame old rivals Garnons CC on Saturday.

Arriving at the beautifully manicured ‘Lawns’, the captain Sam Griffiths won the toss and led Goodrich out to bat.

The clouds then rolled over and in the face of some accurate Garnons bowling, the usually dominant South Herefordshire batting line up faltered. When Griffiths was dismissed for 57, the villagers looked in trouble at 120-6 with 10 overs remaining.

For the first time in 2017, the lower order were called on to save the day, and led by Joe Griffiths (44) they duly obliged.

Joe’s innings changed the momentum and with Matt Davies (24 not out) and Bosco Barnett adding 40 for the ninth wicket in four overs, Goodrich had seized the initiative to finish on 216-8.

Nursing a hamstring injury they would have laid low most other bowlers, Goodrich opener Mark Bradford charged in to defend the total, picking up 3-20 of the Garnons top order.

At the other end O’Brien and Tookey (3-42) chipped away with a couple of wickets apiece, but the Hereford side stayed with the rate. There were good knocks from Sam Bendall (49) and Rob Pritchard (47) and they looked set to scramble home.

However, after a brilliant catch by keeper, Rory Jackson, broke the danger partnership, the return of ice-man Chris Abell (1-50 from 12) squeezed the life out of the chase to give Goodrich a well-deserved 11 run win.

With everyone more than pulling their weight in the field the Admiral Insurance MVP award was shared between the Goodrich lower order for changing the game in Goodrich’s favour.

The champagne moment, however went to Matty Davies who, after breaking his arm fending off a beamer in the corresponding fixture last season, deposited the same bowler over the trees for six to complete his comeback from injury.