Sunday 12 July saw the welcome return of cricket to the Heath when the home side hosted Hatfield Broad Oak for a friendly fixture.

Groundsman Peter Graves had worked hard to prepare the playing surface after the issues earlier this year with damage to the square by travellers and recent wet weather. It certainly looked a picture, although the wicket didn’t appear to have much pace in it for the bowlers and batsmen were rewarded for a patient approach.

Batting first, the Heath reached 175 before tea was taken on the grass outside the pavilion, as the Covid-19 restrictions meant that players had to bring their own refreshments.

Resuming after the break, Broad Oak were unable to match the Heath’s total, finally coming up 41 runs short.

After this match, the Heath return to League action. A truncated season will be played, with no promotion/relegation, so weather permitting we will be seeing plenty of matches over the next couple of months.

There are also some friendly fixtures arranged, including a return fixture at Broad Oak.