Henlow Cricket Club s teenage all-rounder Matt Hicks was 12th man against the touring New Zealanders. Northants Academy member Hicks performed the duties on the first day of their three-day game against the Kiwis at Wantage Road on Friday. Hicks was on th

Henlow Cricket Club's teenage all-rounder Matt Hicks was 12th man against the touring New Zealanders.

Northants Academy member Hicks performed the duties on the first day of their three-day game against the Kiwis at Wantage Road on Friday.

Hicks was on the field for 11 overs in total as the tourists got in some much-needed batting practice ahead of the third Test.

The 18 year old from Henlow is currently taking his A-levels at Hitchin Boys' School.

He said: "I've been 12th man a couple of times before for Northants as they give the Academy boys the opportunity.

"It was good to be there and I had a brief chat with Jacob Oram in the warm-up.

"I then only got eight against Harrold on Sunday which was disappointing!"

Hicks' side Henlow slipped to a double defeat in the Beds League on Sunday.

The first XI saw visitors Harrold post 211 all out in their Division One match, opener Anthony Woodhouse scoring 119. Hicks took 4-30 in his 10 overs and Wayne Goldsmith 3-25 in eight.

Harrold's opening bowler Jake Higginbotham then claimed 6-17 as Henlow were bundled out for 132 in 31.4 overs, Guy Warmoth top scoring with 25.

The seconds could only post 109-9 in their 46 overs at Hexton in Division Three, Luke Peters the mainstay of the innings with a hard-hit 46. The home side lost two wickets in reaching their target in 22 overs.

Henlow seconds remain top of the Millman Saturday Three after a 23-run win over closest rivals Cople Argus. Henlow totalled 190-9 with keeper Charlie Jones scoring his maiden fifty and also useful knocks from Merrick Baltruschat (27), Lee Ownsworth (41) and Wayne Goldsmith (29).

Goldsmith (2-24), Baltruschat (3-24) and Ownsworth (2-34) all bowled well as the hosts were restricted to 167-8 despite opener Dave Humphreys making 92.