Skipper Adam Mansfield has hailed the efforts of his Suffolk team following their third straight win – and second by an innings – in the Unicorns Championship, writes Nick Garnham.
Suffolk defeated Hertfordshire by an innings and eight runs at North Mymms on Tuesday with two-and-a-half sessions to spare, after taking the hosts’ final four wickets in under 40 minutes’ play.
Mansfield enthused: “It was a fantastic result for us – that is two on the bounce by an innings and it just goes to show how well we are playing at the moment.
“The most pleasing aspect was that a few of the boys stood up and played match-winning performances. Sometimes obviously Jaik (Mickleburgh) gets a lot of runs so it was nice to see someone else step up to the plate.”
Ollie Bocking, on only his second appearance for Suffolk, returned match figures of 11 for 92, and received good support from his fellow seamers.
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Mansfield said: “He is absolutely quality - he was the difference between the two sides for me on that pitch. He gives 100 per cent all the time. He deserved those wickets as he bowled his heart out.
“The boys who opened the bowling – Mikey (Comber), Ollie (Bocking) and Tom Rash – bowled fantastically well. They were patient and a few poor shots at the top of the order by Hertfordshire led to a few easy wickets, but the boys who used the new ball have got to take credit for that.”
The win moves Suffolk up to joint second in the Eastern Division, one point behind new leaders Lincolnshire, and level with Staffordshire.
Suffolk host Lincolnshire in their penultimate three-day fixture at Ipswich School, starting on Sunday, August 19th.
Mansfield added: “We are playing some really good cricket at the moment. We are a good bunch of guys we have fun off the field, but as soon as we get over the white line we work hard for each other.
“The boys have really bonded together as a group this season. It is great to see the happiness the guys have when someone in the team does well and that is really appreciated by everyone. Hopefully we can keep it going and keep improving as much as we can.”
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