Ardleigh Green Cricket Club

 

                       

 

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Bambi and Potter Provide The Shots to Complement Ivor's Cannon

Potter was hoping for a quiet afternoon in the bank holiday visit to the picturesque ground at Great Gaddesden. However a lively opening attack reduced Green to 2 2for 3 which caused a drastic re-think. Bambi was showing no sign of losing his early season form in a partnership with Steve Shorey that took the score to 65, when skipper Potter joined him for a violent 5th wicket stand. Potter hit his first ball for 6 and didn't look back as the pair added 106 in 52 balls Jon Bayfield finished with 87 and Paul Hurworth struck 90 and it was left to The Sub (28 n.o.) to boost the 40 over total to 258 for 9 despite missing several reverse sweeps. Green looked sharp in the field and they soon reduced Great Gaddesden to 138 for 7 with wickets for Ryan Dack (1-27), The Sub (1-34), Paul Hurworth and, interestingly, Jon Bayfield (2-29) backed up by some good catching. St.John (47) led the early resistance but it was when Plummer was joined by Moore (21) that things changed quite dramatically. t started when Plummer hit the ball straight to Ivor whose foot flicked the ball up his leg a great speed to score a perfect cannon. 86 was added for the 8th wicket at which time Green looked a beaten side but Potter returned to pick up a couple more wickets and complete his 'five for'. with Plummer still in the home side still had a great chance but, having reduced the deficit to 7, he was welll caught by Ryan Dack off James Duhig. Cockinson's efforts to navigate his way out of the ground were hampered by a large log giving the side some impromptu weight training to lift the car off the piece of timber.

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Hornchurch Collapse After the Rain

Hornchurch were coastng along, after Ananda Krishnan had removed opener Murray early, with Gordon (42) and Savides constructing a useful 2nd wicket partnership. A break for rain changed things with Chris Cook (3-36), Ali Aslam (3-17) and Matt Simmons (3-11) taking wickets in quick succession as the home side collapsed to 132 all out. The last 9 wickets went for 54 runs and the lost 4 for just 1 run. Green's target was reduced because of the rain but they soon lost Alex Cason and Freddy Butt. Ali Aslam (52 n.o.) was joined by skipper Royston Smith (21) but Royston's departure at 64 meant there was still a lot of work to do to win the game. However Thomas Oakley (11 n.o.) gave assured support as Ali Aslam completed a fine all round performance to finish with an undefeated half century as Green secured a 7 wicket win.
Keith Mtchell has enjoyed excellent early season form and it looked to be more of the same as he took 3 early wickets to leave Harold Wood in trouble at 66 for 5.Nearly 2 and a half hours were lost to rain after Wood's first 3 overs and the visitors were faced with a tricky decision in pacing their innings. Mills, who struck the ball cleanly in his 35, and Rolls (32) put on 53 for the 6th wicket before Kiran Hindocha bowled the former and Rolls was run out. Bones returned to pick up another couple of wickets and Fraser King finished the innings off. With about an hour and a quarter left to bat a target of 148 represented a stiff challenge on a pitch offering a fair degree of movement. The Doc fell early which let in Kevin Chapman in the unusual position of No.3. What followed was a stark contrast n batting with Chappers striking the ball cleanly and Cockinson struggling to get the ball off the square. However the pair ran well and 64 were added for the 2nd wicket. Young Billy Moffatt, playing his first senior game, faced an awkward situation and unfortunately fell early. Fraser King made a great impact on the game with a quick 26 before he was run out with the scores level, leaving The Hanger to saunter the winning run off the final ball.
Another miserable batting performance by the 5th XI in which only Steve Shorey (17), James Hewitt(17) and Paul Simmons (10) made double figures, saw them collapse to 74 all out against Stanford-le-Hope at Great & Little Warley. This represented no problem for the visitors and, despite a wicket apiece for John Doughty and Rob Duhig, they got home with 8 wickets in hand.
The 2nd and 3rd XI games were abandoned with the 2nd XI having just the time to take an early Hornchurch wicket and the 3rds not getting started at all.
Green opened their Sunday League campaign with a 5 wicket win against Harold Wood at Central Park. Dan Drury (3-36) and Trevor Oakley (2-47) both performed well with the ball whilst Clarke's 118 held the Wood innings together. Jon Bayfeld (51) and Alex Cason (39) made a good start until an over ambitious 2nd run broke the partnership. There were some brief fireworks from Smudger (38) before Thomas Oakley saw Green to victory with an assured undefeated 40.
There was some good controlled bowling from Ryan Dack (2-21) and Kiran Hindocha (1-28) who bowled their 8 overs at a reasonable economy rate at the fast scoring ground at Rankins. Paul Simmons took 1 for 11 from 4 overs but Green could not prevent the hosts from setting a target of 194 with Lees (70) and Simmons (56) doing most of the scoring. In reply Green lost early wickets and it was only Matt Simmons (48) who batted with any authority as Green slumped to a disappointing 56 run defeat.

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Pearsons on the Podium at Old Vics

There was a distinct lack of mobility in the Green side that too to the field against Old Victorians in the midweek match at High Beach. It was suggested that an invitation sprint be held to determine the batting order with Graeme Walker tipped by some to make the podium.Green's opening bowlers were certainly not contenders with Moby and Ted Patel moving with their customary grace and elegance. However they eached picked up a wicket to arrest the flying start by the home side. Graeme Walker and John Coxall brought the run rate down as the Old Vics' batting was held together by Anderson who scored 90. Gary Pearson certainly did not look a likely contender with his struggles to master the undulating outfield but his father, after some sprightly fielding, surprised everyone with 3 for 9 to finish off the innings and eye vie for a podium place. A total of 210 seemed a bit below par but Green did not have too many batsmen in top form to make it a formality. Billy Shorey was soon caught on the boundary but 'Pads' Pearson joined Cockinson for a 2nd wicket stand of 63. After a shaky start, 'Pads' began to strike the ball cleanly whereas Cockinson was definitely ruled out of the podium position n after the rare achievement of being run out against the Old Boys. Keith Abbott (21) joined 'Pads' in a stand of 57 but they both fell within 10 runs of each other with Gary Pearson making an excellent 84. The rate required was still a challenge but Bouncing Bill (39 n.o.) and Ivor (28 n.o.) saw Green home without further loss, leaving the performances of the Pearson family earning them their place on the podium.

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Smudger Hits Form as Green Beat Fives

Freddie Butt (50) and Alex Cason gave Green a sold start against Fives & Heronians at Central Park. The introduction of White (4-32) into the attack changed the shape of the game as Green were reduced to 87 for 3. Thomas Oakley (50) joined skipper Royston Smith (85) in a stand of 118 after which Ananda Krishnan and Ramesh Gunalan added useful runs to take the score to 276 all out. Grahame Bull (2-25) took out the Fives openers after which Ananda Krishnan (3-46) curtailed a mini revival with 3 wickets, reducing the visitors to 89 for 5. Bhome (56) joined Irfan Ahmed (91), who had earlier taken 4 wickets for 68, in a stand of 132 for the 6th wicket which threatened to take the game away from Green. Chris Cook (3-43) broke the partnership after which wickets fell at regular intervals leaving Fives 31 runs short.
Jon Bayfield continued his good early season form as the 2nd XI made light work of chasing down the Colchester & East Essex total of 176. Bambi's undefeated 81 dominated the innings with Tiraj Patel (43) and Mick Clarke (30 n.o.) also batting well. The win was set up by some good bowling from Minesh Gunalan (4-46), who took the first 4 wickets and Chathura Herath (4-54) who took the last 4. In between, Dan Drury (2-18) took the other wickets to fall in an economical spell. However, Green let a commanding position of 104 for 8 slip as Sneath (52) staged a rearguard action.
The 3rd XI must wonder how they managed to let Harlow score a formidable 241 for 8 on an unreliable surface at Spicer's field. Suggs (3-41) was the pick of the bowlers and Billy Greaves bowled well in taking 2 for 46) but there was little threat elsewhere as Burton (72) and Aswani (65 n.o.) rattled up the runs. Green's reply was held together by Gavin Castle who scored an excellent 67 but with only 3 others making it to double figures (just), Green finished well adrift at 169 for 8 in securing the draw.
Ryan Dack (3-24) gave the 4th XI a good start taking 2 early wickets to leave Southend struggling at 29 for 2. The visitors seemed to have weathered the storm until Vic Simmons removed skipper Hill for 27 after which Keith Mitchell (3-22) removed Bunce with a jaffa. Bones and Fraser King (2-18) didn't let Southend off the hook but they were defied for a long period by Kearney (20) until Ryan Dack returned to remove his off stump. Green's batting has been, at best, unreliable and although they opened with a stand of 28, they were reduced to 83 for v5 with only Cockinson (36) showing much resistance to Sohail who bowled beautifully for his 2 for 16. However, that experienced campaigner Captain Fierce (19 n.o.) was joined by Kevin Chapman (16 n.o.) and the pair saw Green home without further loss.
The batting woes of the 5th XI continued as they were shot out for 99 against Walthamstow 4th XI. Terry Dack made 20 at the top of the order but nobody had the application to support Malcolm Waters who batted through from number 4 for an undefeated 36. The paltry total seemed to be enough at one stage when Walthamstow were reduced to 60 for 8 with John Doughty (6-31) and Kiran Hindocha (3 -38) ripped through the early batting. However Green's fielding didn't provide adequate support as they failed to take any off the chances offered by Hussain who led the visitors to victory by 1 wicket with an undefeated 32.
There was an early exit from the National Club Championship with a heavy defeat at Upminster. Royston Smith (141 n.o.) was in magnificent form but there wasn't anybody able to give him sufficient support to bat out the overs as Green were dismissed for 250. The home side romped home despite 3 wickets from Rob Glassberg (3-28).
The Sunday 2nd XI produced an inadequate performance against St. Margaretsbury's academy side. The home side's 1st XI contingent made the most of a good batting surface and some poor bowling and fielding in registering 228 for 3 in their 40 overs. Greens batting never threatened and only Bambi (30), Dan Drury (20) and Keith Abbott making any sort of a fight of it in a crushing 119 run defeat.

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Half Centuries for Chris Haylett and Smudger but Green Bow Out of Bertie Joel

Green bowed out of the Bertie Joel Cup at the hands of the Mddlesex Tamils at Central Park on Wednesday. The pitch offered assistance to the bowlers throughout and green made a poor start in being reduced to 34 for 3 by the 10th over. Thomas Oakley settled things down a bit in partnership with Smudger (62) until he fell to an excellent catch in the gulley. Chris Haylett joined his skipper in the only substantial stand of the innings before Royston fell with the score on 129. Chris was playing with great maturity, mixing solid defence with good attacking strokes and was not afraid to go over the top, when required. In this way, he managed to marshal the tail which mad bright and breezy contributions to take the score to 200, Chris finishing undefeated on 69. Dharmaraja did the most damage with the ball, taking 4 for 23 in his 9 overs.
Thomas Oakley and James Duhig gave Green an excellent start in the Middlesex Tamils innings reducing them to 18 for 2. Toast (2-30) and Bouncing Bill (1-31 put a stranglehold on the middle order and Green seemed slight favourites at 107 for 5. Bhonani changed the complexion of the game by upping the tempo and looking comfortable both on the front and back foot. His 42 turned the game around and Loganathan (77 n.o.) batted through the whole innings, with his fair share of good fortune, to see the Tamils home. Green were probably a front line bowler light but can take satisfaction from the performances of Chris Haylett with the bat and James Duhig and Thomas Oakley with the ball.

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Thomas and Ramesh Ambush Westcliff

Westcliff-on-Sea seemed to hold the upper hand when Green were reduced to 18 for 13 iin reply to the home side's 50 over total of 259 for 7. Royston Smith (43) and Paul Hurworth (23) led a partial recovery to 148 for 5 in company with Thomas Oakley (65) who scored a fine half century. Westclff retained favourites' status at 199 for 6 but Ramesh Gunalan shocked them with some power hitting to lead Green to an 3 wicket victory. Ramesh finished undefeated on 77. Green's bowlers had earlier toiled as Pratt and Paveling each registered 50 in a century opening stand. Thomas Oakley (2-38), Ali Aslam (2-44) and Chris Cook (1-33) each bowled an economical 10 over spell to exert an element of control on a fast scoring ground.
Former Green man Grant Apicella (64) score a half century as Harold Wood posted a formidable 255 for 8 at Central Park on Saturday. Mick Clarke (3-68) and John Doughty (2-58) did the damage with the ball but late runs dented there figures somewhat. In response, Green seldom looked in the hunt although there were good innings from both Michael Clarke (57) and Jon Bayfield (43).
Green's 3rd XI were coasting comfortably as the hundred came up on the board with just 1 wicket down. Sir Harold (55) looked in good form in his first innings of the season as did Gavin Castle (38). An alarming collapse followed to 139 all out with last man John Coxall being the highest contributor with 5. Ayush Singh did most of the damage with 6 for 24. Wanstead 4th XI were put on the back foot by James Haylett (2-21) but got home fairly comfortably by a 5 wicket margin.
John Woodland (48) put Chingford in a sound position of 50 for 2 against the 4th XI at the Peter May Centre. The former England captain must have been turning in his grave at the unreliable surface which was exploited to the full by Keith Mtchell who took 5 for 8 in 10 overs including the bonus wicket held at slip by Vic Simmons. Kevin Chapman, Kiran Hindocha and Adam Savery took a wicket apiece with Ted Patel taking 2 early wickets for 29. Green struggled in reply losing Cockinson, Pads and Luke Hartman cheaply but The Doc was in resolute form and saw the team home in company with Herbie who finished the game in style with a 6. Both the not out batsmen recorded 31.
The 5th XI attack did fairly well to restrict Loughton to 179 at Great and Little Warley with Rob Duhig (2-35), Muddy Waters (2-40), Craig Burd (2-70) and Terry Dack (1-14) all taking wickets. Green looked to be without a chance after losing 4 early wickets. Muddy Waters (33) led the revival with 33 but then Craig Burd surprised everyone with some lusty hitting in an innings of 45 which briefly raised hopes of an unlikely win. Once he was dismissed the visitors were defied by a brace of Duhigs.
Green established a good position in restricting local rivals Upminster to 203 for 9 in 45 overs. Matt Simmons (3-36), Simon Jeffries (3-46) and The Pig (2-26) were mainly responsible with the dangerous Ison falling to the venerable porker. The heavens opened just 7 overs into Green's innings with the score on 26 for 1.
Jon Bayfield (64) began in dominant form against Harold Wood in the Sunday friendly at Central Park. after he was dismissed it was the familiar story of a batting collapse by the Sunday 2nds with only Keith Abbott showing the required applcation with an undefeated 31 as Green mustered 164 for 9. Only one over was possible for Wood before heavy rain came.

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Freddie Back in Form as Firsts Open With a Win

Freddie Butt (57) hit form at last in a good opening partnership in the first league game of the new season in Divison 1. Potter (33) was first to go with the score on 81 but, after a brief slump to 118 for 3, Ramesh Gunalan (28) and Thomas Oakley (34) took Green to a respectable 50 over total of 218 for 6 which included a boost from 33 extras. Wickets fell at regular intervals in the Hadleigh & Thundersley reply with Ananda Krishnan in fine form n taking 4 for 37. He had good support from Matt Simmons (2-33) and Ali Aslam (3-30) as the visitors finished 48 runs adrift.
West Essex looked posed to post a bg total when coasting at 150 for 2 against the 2nd XI at The Rolls. However, James Duhig (2-30), Mck Clarke (2-40), Dan Drury (3-15) and Chris Haylett (2-6) turned the game on its head with the home side slumping to 191 all out. Jon Bayfield (76) and Mick Clarke (54) dominated Green's innings as they coasted to a comfortable 5 wicket victory inside 42 overs.
Bowling dominated the 4th XI fixture against South Woodford at Ilford Wanderers. South Woodford slumped from 43 for 2 to 78 all out thanks largely to Keith Mitchell who bowled magnificently in taking 6 for 11 from 10.3 overs. Kevin Chapman (2-12) had taken the first two wickets in a lively opening spell whilst Ted Patel (1-29) and Kiran Hindocha (1-20) took the other wickets. The visitors' opening attack of Sohal and Usmain Khan were more than a handful and, after losing 'Pads' Pearson for 10, Cockinson (25) and Luke Hartman (24) looked to have made the game safe in taking the score to 52 for 1. The introduction of Smith and Haroon Ikram precipitated a collapse to 60 for 5 but The Doc held firm until just before Green limped across the line.
Rob Duhig (2-68) dismissed both openers in the 5th XI game against Benfleet but consistent batting throughout the inniings saw the home side reach 202 for 6 in the 42nd over. Craig Burd (2-50) took a couple of wickets whilst Malcolm Waters and Paul Simmons took 1 apiece. Too much time had been lost to rain to make victory a realistic prospect but Steve Shorey (32) and Paul Simmons (26) batted well as Green closed on 111 for 3.
The 3rd XI game at Hadleigh and Thndersley was called off after only a few overs. It is not known whether the hosts were intimidated by the sight of Aaron Hills opening the batting but we suspect it is more likely to be because of the wet conditions.
Graham Bull struck early by removing Gladwin first ball in the 1st round of the Conference Cup at Saffron Walden. Barrs (59) scored a useful half century as Walden posted 196 for 8 from their 45 overs. Matt Simmons continued his impressive early season form in taking 4 for 23 in his 9 over spell whilst Graham Bull finished with 2 for 18. Green began badly with the early loss of Alex Cason. Paul Hurworth (28), Ananda Krishnan (27) and Royston Smith (31)each made a start without playing the substantial innings required but the innings fell away badly apart from some late resistance from Bully (21). Hill and Larsen shared 7 wickets whilst former Green man Scott Baker conceded a mere 14 runs in his 9 overs.
A weakened Green 2nd XI were surprisingly asked to bat in the game against Hockerill and were soon in trouble at 37 for 5. Only Adam Mathias (17) made double figures from the top 6 and t was left to some resistance down the order from Terry Dack (12), Vic Simmons (18) and Ted Patel (15) to take the score above 100. Green's attack bowled with accuracy on a very slow pitch but, after John Coxall achieved an early breakthrough, Sanders and Hudson took the score to 54 before the next wicket fell. Youngsters Adam Savery, who took 3 for 21, and Kiran Hindocha, who took 1 for 11 from his 12 overs, brought Green back into the game but Dewey saw them home in the 45th over.

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Sub Suffers a Reverse in Attempted Clean Sweep

The midweek side began their campaign with a 6 wicket defeat off the final ball at Little Hadham. There was plenty in the wicket (except pace) after Green decided to bat on winning the toss. Mason-Smth and Oxborrow bowled tidy spells and, although Potter briefly threatened to take the game out of reach with some clean hitting allied to some shots that were not out of place n the rural setting, Green were soon struggling at 68 for 4. A stand of 47 between Steve Shorey (25) and Russell Savidge (49) rescued the situation and the latter continued to strike the ball well until an over-ambitious reverse sweep ent straight into the hands of gulley when he was 1 short of a half century. There was brief resistance from The Pig but the final 4 wickets went down in a clatter for 9 runs. A total of 174 seemed to be a reasonably challenging target in the conditions.
Ryan Dack bowled a good line in his opening 6 over spell and deservedly picked up a couple of wickets for 17. The Sub then began a 12 over spell into a gale force wind and, despite being hit for 6 first ball, bowled with commendable control to take 2 for 27 as Green reduced the home side to 70 for 4. The fielding left a bit to be desired in the bitter conditions and batting became easier as the pitch dried and the ball became softer after a couple of visits to the adjacent river. Jaynes (55n.o.) and Oxborrow (52 n.o.) showed commendable patience in timing the chase to perfection.

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Smudger and Ramesh Flay Horndon

Green soon lost Potter and Freddie in their league cup encounter at Horndon-on-the-Hill but a stunning 3rd wiicket stand between Royston Smith (102) and Ramesh Gunalan (89) knocked the stuffing out of the home side. Thomas Oakley (32), Ananda Krishnan (36) and Chris Cook (22 n.o.) continued the run riot as Green closed on 331 for 6 from their 45 overs. James Duhig made an early breakthrough in the reply but Joyce (40) and West (66) threatened to strike back with positive batting. It was spinner Matt Simmons who really undermined Horndon with a 5 wicket haul for just 21 in 7 overs as they were dismissed for225 despite some resistance from Marson (48).

The 2nd XI scored a respectable 216 for 3 in their friendly game against Hockley with half centuries for Martin Cason (57), Chris Haylett (51 n.o.) and Micky Clarke (50). Jack taylor chipped in with an undefeated 25. In reply, there was some encouragement for Green's bowlers with two wickets apiece for Jack Taylor (2-25) and Rob Duhig (2-34) but they could not prevent the visitors taking the spoils in the final over with 4 wickets in hand.

The 3rd XI suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Goresbrook in 2009 and did not fare much better this time around .On a wicket of unpredictable bounce, playing shots proved difficult and Goresbrook must have been more than happy with their 40 over total of 185 for 9. John Doughty (3-35), paul Sutton (2-23) and Paul Simmons (2-25) took the wickets and there was a fine spell from Ryan Dack at the start of the match. Steve Shorey was disappointed that his two catches at Hockerill were not mentioned on the website and we are more than happy to make amends by congratulating him on his 50% record on that day (admittedly one of the other chances took his hand to boundary with it). Ivor doubled his rate this time around to 100% but, unfortunately, it was a 100% drop rate as he spilled a chance at mid-wicket. The Green batting capitulated with only Gavin castle showing the technique and application required in his 49 and Paul Sutton briefly entertaining thoughts of an unlikely victory with 22. A 54 run margin of defeat was an accurate reflection on the game.

Green made the trip over the river to the pleasant Bexley ground with a much weakened side following 3 late withdrawals. The home side seemed comfortable enough without threatening to dominate until James Duhig (2-59) broke the opening stand, courtesy of a catch by the Pig in the gulley. After the opening attack were rested, the scoring rate increased until Haley took one too many liberties against the Pig and was stumped. Woodgate continued to nurdle the ball around but the fireworks came from Pointer who blasted a very quick 62 before retiring, much to the relief of the Green attack. He survived a chance on the cover boundary but hit the ball vast distances in claiming his four 6s. The final 40 over total was 264 for 4 but this is less than seemed likely at the 30 over mark. Woodgate batted through for a good 87 not out.
Green were reliant on a few batsmen to make an impression but nobody really got going. Smudger hit a few fine blows in his 40 including the novelty of striking some free hits that were signalled with alacrity by Rocket Ron. Ron, as usual, was quick on the draw but managed to hand Smudger a life by an early no ball call registering before his middle stump was broken. A crushing defeat made bearable by the choice of beer in the host's bar.

Darren Frampton (107) scored an excellent century for visitors Belhus in the Sunday friendly game at Central Park. He had little assistance however as Belhus struggled to 182 for 6 from their 40 overs with Matt Simmons continuing his fine form of the previous day with 3 for 38 whilst The Hanger made a miraculous recovery from the previous day to take 2 for 21. Green made a steady start to their reply through Billy Shorey (15) and The Onion (20). Paul Simmons looked in good touch before falling for 30 but that was the last success with the ball for Belhus as Matt Simmons (75 n.o.) and Kevin Chapman (25 n.o.) saw Green to a 7 wicket victory.


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Green Double at Hartley

Green did the double over Hartley country Club with solid performances by by 1st and 2nd XIs.
Potter (70) made his 2nd half century of the year whilst Thomas Oakley scored a quick-fire 33. Ananda Krishnan chipped in with 29 but Green failed to bat out the full 40 overs, being dismissed for 212 with 2 balls left. Thomas also shone with the ball taking 4 for 19 and was backed up by Matt Simmons whose 2 for 39 included the scalp of former Kent county player, Min Patel, who fell to a fine boundary catch by James Duhig. This was a welcome start for the 1st XI who suffered a crushing defeat in the corresponding game last year.
The Pig has become an expert on finding flat tracks on which to offer his services as an opener and managed to persuade the skipper to allow him to make amends for his 9 in a similar position last year. This he duly accomplished scoring 45 in an excellent opening stand with Jon Bayfield (76) who looked in decent touch. Chris Haylett (42) and Jack Taylor also made useful runs, as did Mick Clarke whose injury that forced him to retire hurt remains a mystery and may well be pursued by the statisticians. The 40 over total of 255 for 4 was challenging for an early season game but the home side made a decent fist of the chase but the bowling of Jack Taylor (3-27),Chris Haylett (2-10) and Rob Duhig (2-30) reestricted them to 245 giving Green a 10 run victory.
The 3rd XI could not make it 3 out of 3 as they fell to a 6 wicket defeat at High Beach. The home side encouraged Green to bat first and, after the early loss of 'Pads' Pearson, Cockinson and Billy Bosh looked secure without setting the world on fire. When the former departed Gavin Castle looked in no trouble at all. Billy seemed to tire and finally perished in the 30th over for 47 allowing Suggs and the Inspector to give the total a much needed late boost. Ryan Dack made a breakthrough in the first over and generally bowled and fielded well taking 2 catches to add to his 2 wickets for 36. The home side were ahead of the rate very early and Green suffered for failing to take their chances. Mitchell Collett picked up a couple of wickets but High Beach eased home with just over 3 wickets to spare and 6 wickets in hand.
There was a disappointing performance by the only side to play on Sunday. Brentwood Victorians chose to bat first and lost a wicket to the first ball of the match, courtesy of James Duhig. Wickets fell fairly regularly but there was late resistance to take the core for 196 for 7 in the allotted 40 overs. Green too made a bad start, losing Jon Bayfield early on. Martin Cason broke the early shackles with a couple of big hits in his 21 whilst Cockinson hung around for a while for 24. Crucially, Royston Smith was dismissed cheaply and it was only skipper Matt Simmons who could have been satisfied with his innings as Green slumped to 147 all out. Nine of the batsmen were bowled which suggests a lack of application on a decent if slow track.

 

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Sunshine Start for Green

The 2010 season got underway in welcome sunshine.
The 1st XI got off to a winning start with a close encounter at High Roding. Smudger (73) made some useful early season runs games, Green failed to bat out the overs and were dismissed for 256 leaving a frustrated Whale high and dry. Hussein (111) played an excellent innings but Munesh(2-40) and Ramesh (2-13) each took a brace of wickets whilst Ananda took 3 for 28 to leave the hosts 9 short.
A weak 2nd XI went down to a comprehensive defeat at Hokerill. Graham Cook (2-32) and The Pig (3-29) were the notable wicket takers but there was some good work with the ball by Ryan Dack, Mitchell Collett and Adam Savery who were backed up well in the field. Green held Hockerill to a respectable 225 for 9 but were never really in the hunt. Cockinson hung around for a while for 22 without ever looking like a sprinter between the wickets and there were some late lusty blows from The Pig (28) but all tono avail with 130 runs being the margin of defeat.
The result of the Sunday game was insignificant following a nasty injury to one of the Penn Street players who split his knee cap (with plenty of other damage in the knee area) sliding to prevent a four. With proceedings halted whilst the ambulance was called, Green's innings was closed prematurely on 266 for 5 following a blistering ton by Martin Cason (108 n.o.) and a hard hit 52 from Potter. Chris Haylett chipped in with 32 as the Penn Street boys kept to their task in good spirits. The Pig (3-17) and Kevin Chapman (2-15) found conditions to their liking as Penn Street were dismissed for 95.

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'A's,'B's and 'D's Win Indoor Titles

The Indoor League season came to a close at St. Edwards school on Sunday as the "D" team followed the "A's" & "B's" by winning their respective Havering League division. With the "C's" finishing in a comfortable 5th place behind the "B's" in division one and the over 40's "A" side runners up at Chelmsford in January (not forgetting the Rampant Griffons just missing out on the semi finals), it has most certainly been a vintage winter for those who took part.
The "D's" final match was something of an anti-climax as opponents Noak Hill Taverners failed to show, thereby gifting the 12 points needed for the title to the Green. Given that nearest rivals Abridge had also enjoyed one such walkover perhaps it was meant to finish that way? Instead an enjoyable practice match took place as Tony Clarke and his able assistants joined in with TC himself producing a stunning run out & "Bones" Mitchell taking 3 catches (yes 3!!!).
Thanks to Tony Clarke and his team of umpires plus Robin for scoring in what has been another enjoyable and well run winter season. We now move onto the more serious matter of the summer season hoping that the winter success is a sign of things to come!

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