Green Hit by Heavy Rain

Rain washed out three of the league games in which Green held the upper hand. With few games abandoned due to the weather the loss of points could prove crucial in the run in.
The 1st XI, wit Misbah Uddin (5-72) to the fore,  restricted second placed Brentwood to 201 for 8 and were cruising at 123 for no wicket with Jon Powell in magnificent form on 77 not out when the heavens opened. Although the rain stopped to reveal a bright evening, the ground had taken so much water in such a short space of time that no further play was possible. Third placed Chingford were surprisingly beaten by Orsett and Fourth placed Colchester held by Fives & Heronians to limit the impact on the table.
Just down the road, the 4th XI suffered a similar setback when in a strong position against top of the table Brentwood. After a slow start against a tight bowling attack, Geoff Robinson (74) and Kevin Brailey (66) increased the tempo with Brad Scott and Steve Wyatt hitting to good effect to boost the score to 255 for 7. Dean Pruscino (4-34) reduced the home side to 66 for 4 in a fine spell of bowling before the rain came. As well as a missed opportunity to close the gap on the leaders, the 4ths had to surrender 2nd place in the league to Hornchurch, whose game was unaffected.
It was the same story for the 2nd XI where magnificent batting from Martin Cason (107), Simon Brown (65) and Gavin Castle (53 n.o.) formed the basis of a score of 251 for 2. Visitors Westcliff were saved by the weather on 85 for 7after Russell Hawkins (3-15) and James Lock (3-51) had taken 3 wickets apiece.

Symes and Gibbs Move 3rds Back to the Top

The 3rd XI had the middle order pair of Andy Symes (52) and Ian Gibbs (55) to thank for their total 206 for 8. Jon Bayfield of the early batting scored 24 and Paul Hurworth an entertaining 29 before the declaration. Good bowling from Lloyd Edwards (3-30), Keith Mitchell (2-35) and Russell Savidge (2-36) saw Westcliff bowled out for 139 and a victory which saw Green jump back to the top of the table.

Chingford Felled by All Rounder Waters

A superb all-round performance by Malcolm Waters led the 5th XI to victory against top of the table Chingford. First Muddy took 5 for 40 to help bowl out the visitors for 181 with Pipey Harris also amongst the wickets with 4 for 30. Muddy then he scored 73 n.o. as Green knocked off the runs for the loss of 6 wickets with good contributions from Alex Cason (22) and Adam Green (24)..

Misbah's Indian Tonic

Misbah Uddin (100) rescued the midweek side with a sparkling century against a touring team from Calcutta. Gibbo , Gorsy and Michael Freeman went cheaply but an unlikely partnership developed between Smudger (41) and Paul Hurworth (22). Surprisingly it was the 1st XI skipper who departed first but Harry was not far behind. Simon Brown (17) batted with his customary aggression but his dismissal left Green struggling at 120 for 6. Misbah then took over with first Cockinson and the Al Surrey playing the supporting role as a 45 over total of 232 for 7 was posted.
The tourists threatened to end the game before the end of Al Surrey's spell but he struck back with the assistance of the Juggler. Brownie kept it tight at one end until he captured the 2nd with the help of an excellent catch by Simon Brown but the 3rd wicket partnership looked threatening with some excellent batting. A fine catch in the deep by Al Surrey shifted the balance of the game with Pipey (2-49) picking up two wickets much to the relief of the residents of the nearby houses. The challenge became too great with Simon Brown (3-44) picking up wickets at regular intervals in his 9 over spell.

Terrier Bambi Feasts on Toast

The challenge match between the youth of Ardleigh Green and Herbie Gosnell's Gladiators (played under terriers rules) produced an exciting finish at Central Park on Thursday. The seniors batted first with Smudger and Clarkie tucking into the offerings of Aaron Hills. Michael Freeman was the most productive of the batsmen with Joanne Cook proving the most capable bowler with 3 wickets.
Ian Russell began well by smashing Smudger to all parts of the ground. Herbie tested the foundations of the pavilion with his legside 'dives' behind the stumps and Al Surrey kept the crowd amused with a typical fielding display (although we are sure it really did hit a bump to send him the wrong way). A few reputations were dented by the failure to bowl out Harry Potter and, despite Chris and Joanne Cook scoring steadily, it appeared that the last pair had too much today when faced by Mick Clarke and Trevor Oakley. Clarkie took full advantage of the gloom and lack of sightscreens to bowl flat out down the hill to cause Aaron Hills a few problems and put the game seemingly beyond the youngsters. However, Jon Bayfield took a liking to Toast whose 3 overs were dispatched for 53. Lomas played the last ball defensively to secure victory by 1 run (the winning margin matching the minus one contribution of Al Surrey with the bat).

Cowboy Hanger Shoots Down Park

Spectators in cow corner were forced to run for cover as The Hanger entered Gallows Corner. After the early loss of Ken Moore, Vic Simmons came to the wicket in the Over 40s encounter against Gidea Park & Romford and started so slowly that he was outscored by Cockinson(24). When the latter departed, Sir Harold joined the fray as The Hanger began to open those famous shoulders as he raced on to 83. Sir Harold (63) too scored freely in a stand of 120. When both were dismissed, Ian Gibbs scored a brisk 30 to help boost the score to 240 from the allotted 40 overs. Surprisingly, Kevin Brailey was LBW.
GP & R found it difficult to get Brownie and Cookie away but it was The Pig (2-19) who broke the stand with a brace of LBWs. Pipey dismissed the elegant Adams but it was Kevin Brailey (3-17) who took the vital wicket of Ron Montgomery who seemed not to know which of the three balls to hit. Muddy Waters (2-11) and Andy Cook finished off proceedings with the hosts well short.

Rain and Last Pair Hold Up 1st XI

Jon Powell (52) set Green on their way with a fine half century against Woodford Wells. Consistent batting throughout the side with Royston Smith (47), Rob Glassberg (32), Jo Jayasuriya (32) and Misbah Uddin (31) all making runs, enabled a declaration total of 240 for 8.
Crucially half an hour was lost to rain as wickets fell in the Wells innings. Mick Clarke took 3 for 84 and slow bowlers Simon Jeffries (2-20) and Misbah Uddin (2-28) two wickets apiece as Wells found themselves in trouble. However, tThe visitors rallied to finish 8 short with the last man hanging on for the last 2 balls.

Cason and Freeman Set Stiff Target

Michael Freeman and Martin Cason scored excellent half centuries and as the 2nd XI set Woodford Wells 227 for victory. The home side found themselves in trouble as Russell Hawkins (4-47), Ali Horne (2-30) and Aaron Hills (2-35) got amongst the wicket, but they  managed to recover to 192 for 9.

Symes and Bayfield Lead the Way

Green's impressive bowling form continued as, with Keith Mitchell (3-43) and Russell Savidge (3-53) to the fore, they restricted Chelmsford to 167 for 8 in the 3rd XI fixture at Chelmer Park.
Openers Andy Symes (22) and Jon Bayfield (42), both promoted from the 4th XI, set Green on their way with a 70 opening stand but a flurry of wickets caused a few tremors Chris Brett (48) and Sir Harold (20) led the recovery to win by 4 wickets.

Alex Rallies 4th XI for Victory

Alex Cason (34) pulled the 4th XI round in a stand of 95 with Kevin Brailey (55)in their league match against Horndon-on-the-Hill. Having lost 3 wickets cheaply, Alex played with assurance whilst his senior partner found his touch. The pair took Green within sight of their victory target but were both dismissed in quick succession with Brad Scott also going cheaply. However, the under-pressure 'Tonker' Wyatt followed his fine fielding performance with an undefeated 13 whilst Herbie Gosnell (22 n.o.)looked assured in compiling an unbeaten 21.
The Horndon innings had started slowly but steadily with the economical and unlucky Dave Brown tying up one end. Al Surrey (4-67) made the breakthrough and with Javed Ali (2-28) picking up a couple of wickets to add to a 'Tonker' Wyatt run out the game looked as if it might end early. However, an unbroken stand for the 7th wicket took Horndon to 175 with Clarke unbeaten on 59.

5ths Fall to Second League Defeat

The 5th XI suffered their second league defeat of the season when they were beaten by Brentwood on Saturday. Kevin Chapman (35), Gary (30) and Adam (25) Green and Keith Walmsley (22) made useful contributions in a total of 201 . This did not look to be sufficient but Brentwood were made to struggle thanks to Pipey Harris (4-57) but they crept home by 2 wickets.

Pipey's Michelle Saves The Bacon

Despite a good new ball burst from Lloyd Edwards and a containing spell from Dave Brown, Herongate got off to a decent start in the midweek friendly on Wednesday. Toast (2-29) came on and dismissed both openers but runs came fluently fro the other end as skipper Follett tucked into The Pig to score a half century. The game seemed to be running away from Green until Pipey Harris (5-30) came on and dismissed Follett in his first over with the assistance of a good catch from, ironically, The Pig. Pipey then prised out the middle order with the assistance of Chris Brett (2-12) as Herongate were dismissed for205.
Mark Gorsuch didn't hang around too long but Ian Gibbs (17) and Simon Brown (52) took the score to 43 before Gibbo was bowled. Harry Potter, following breaking his career best in successive innings, returned to his normal form by being dismissed first ball leaving Green in trouble. Chris Brett (18) and Simon Brown took the score to 96 with some fine blows before Bretty was dismissed and the game seemingly turned again when Brownie was bowled. The Pig (23) made some amends for his bowling and Toast (17) hit lustily in partnership with Cockinson (35 n.o.) who showed a fine edge to his game. Lloyd Edwards came in to see Green home with 3 wickets in hand.

Another Ton for Ian Russell

Ian Russell (122 n.o.) scored an unbeaten century against his former club, Buckhurst Hill, in the Sunday League. With Chris Cook scoring 24 and Mick Clarke 37 not out, Green reached 227 for 4 from their 40 overs.
Chris Cook (2-18), Lloyd Edwards (2-28) and Mick Clarke (2-37) all took a brace of wickets as the home side gave a good chase but finished 16 runs short with 9 wickets down.

Bambi the Hertford Breaker

An undefeated maiden century by Jon Bayfield (105 n.o.) joined Paul Hurworth (91 n.o.) in a 2nd team record stand of 209 as the Sunday 2nd XI romped to a 9 wicket victory in just 21.3 overs. The pair came together after the early loss of Ian Gibbs and maintained a rate of 10 an over on a very good batting wicket.
The start was not so promising for Green with 3 players arriving late due to a delay in the Under 13 game in the morning. The formidable opening attack of Mark Gorsuch and Harry Potter did not seem to be causing the Hertford openers too many problems until a young substitute fielder took a low catch of Gorsy to break the stand. This catch surprised his team mates and was a bonus in the respect that the ageing Simmons would have been unlikely to stoop so low to catch the ball. James Haylett (fresh from his morning hat-trick) took 2 for 22 and was the pick of the bowlers. Pipey Harris suffered as Cockinson muffed a chance behind the stumps but he was probably still flattered by his nought for plenty. It was touching to see Mark Gorsuch leave the field to greet his young lady in an exit which proved fortuitous as it interrupted some car thieves who had just rifled the car of one of the home side. It is a shame that Inspector Clouseau was absent as he would have been enthralled by the master class in farming the strike by the Hertford skipper Riddle who score a splendid 148 before holing out to Harry Potter in the deep off Vic Simmons (2-25).

The Hat-Trick Hayletts

Last week Chris Haylett took a hat-trick against Upminster. This week it was the turn of elder brother James to perform the feat in the Peter Coe Cup. However, the batting did not match the performance in the field and the Under 13s went down by 117 runs.

Clarke's Seven Keeps Green on Top

Mick Clarke overwhelmed lowly Hadleigh & Thundersley by taking 7 for 49 as the home side were dismissed for a paltry 107.
Green maintained their single point lead at the top of the table by knocking off the runs for the loss of just one wicket with Royston Smith (41n.o.) and Jo Jayasuriya (37 n.o.) both undefeated and Jon Powell contributing 29.

Leigh Toasted by Trevor

Martin Cason (68) and Grant Apicella (61) both scored half centuries as the 2nd XI scored 231 against fellow strugglers Leigh-on-Sea. Ali Horne boosted the total with 38.
Skipper Trevor Oakley, entering the attack fairly late in the day, took a remarkable 6 wickets for 9 runs but the visitors held on for a draw finishing 9 down on 201. Simon Brown took 2 for 41 in a result that saw the 2nds gain ground in the table.

Veterans Bowl 3rds to Victory

Veterans Keith Mitchell (4-31) and John Coxall (3-18) bowled Saffron Walden out for 147 at Ilford Wanderers on Saturday.
This score didn't look anywhere near enough as Mark Gorsuch (55) and Rob Newton (49 n.o.) helped knock off the runs for the loss of just two wickets in only 35 overs.

Fierce Onslaught at Gallows Corner

A century opening stand between Jon Bayfield (62) and Andy Symes (99) paved the way for a 263 run chase at Gallows Corner on Saturday. Bambi was the more aggressive at the start with a string of boundaries and a six over extra cover. When he departed , Captain Fierce took over in partnership with Ken Moore (53) and may have scored a century if the sight screen from the neighbouring pitch had been outside the line. The pair took Green so close but both departed with more than 6 an over required. Andy Cook and Alex Cason kept up the tempo scoring at more than a run a ball to leave 8 required from the last over. Dave Lock hit the first ball for 4 and secured victory with a straight driven six.
Gidea Park & Romford looked as if they would set an even more formidable total as they set off at more than 9 an over. Dean Pruscino made the initial breakthrough but it was the change bowlers Andy Cook and Dave Lock who applied the brake. Cook removed skipper Webber for 55 but bat continued to dominate the ball. A few chances were spilled but there was great application in difficult fielding conditions with Brad Scott taking a couple of good catches in an impressive display. Joanne Cook bowled an excellent containing spell at a crucial time. Dean Pruscino returned to pick up a couple of wickets and Alex Cason took a wicket with his first ball in his first and the innings last over.

Muddy and Herbie Too Much for Hutton

The senior 5th XI batsmen made hay in their friendly game against Hutton on Saturday. Malcolm Waters (132 n.o.) scored a second successive century with opening partner Keith Walmsley scoring 31. Herbie Gosnell scored a typically belligerent 52 not out as Green amasses 242 for 2 from 39 overs.
Hutton were never in the hunt but made a respectable 195 for 8 with Josh Barnard taking 4 for 38.

Pottermania at Springfield

Only hours before the release of the latest book from J.K. Rowling, there was a best ever from Harry Potter in the Friday game at Springfield. After openers Mark Gorsuch (10) and Steve Doughty (27) had been dismissed, Paul Hurworth (62) built a formidable stand with the in-form James Lock (82) on a lightning fast outfield. There were some fine blows from Chris Brett before Pipey, no doubt feeling pangs of hunger, brought the innings to a premature end by declaring at 268 for 5.
After The Pig (3-45) and Brownie (2-31) had reduced the home side to 0 for 2, Springfield looked in big trouble but Cook (69) hit some lusty blows to start the recovery. Even so, wickets fell regularly with Chris Brett weighing in with 2 for 27 as Springfield advanced to 140 for 7 thanks to a cameo from Chalky's mate who took a particular liking to the bowling of Simon Brown. Then Soutwell (63 n.o.) and Pattani feasted themselves on some indifferent fayre from Gorsy, The Pig and Pipey backed up by the matador on the boundary, and it looked as if a remarkable victory would follow. However, The Pig returned to dismiss Pattani with the score on 236 and Gorsy wrapped up the innings by bowling the last two batsmen leaving Green victors by 13 runs.

Russell and Smith Flay Egham

Raphael Thwarted by The Such

On a pleasant Sunday afternoon, the wandering side Raphael staged a go slow by bowling just 43 overs in nearly 3 hours. Frustrated Green batsmen sacrificed their wickets against a good bowling attack in the quest for quick runs. Mick Clarke (36) and Jon Bayfield (34) both played some pleasant shots and Royston Smith started to hit out until trying an over ambitious drive. Gavin Castle (45) found the 22 yards too taxing and was run out just before the slightly delayed declaration.
Aaron Hills claimed an early wicket as did Lloyd Edwards in a fine spell However, the visitors seemed well placed for victory despite Chris Cook taking the 3rd wicket. It was then that Mark Gorsuch imposed himself with a wicket first ball followed by a 2nd shortly afterwards. With the game turned around Mick Clarke, having paid careful attention to the Gorsy master class, took 3 quick wickets but Raphael held on for a draw.

Gibbo's Fine Run Continues

Ian Gibbs (63) continued his fine run of form in 2005 with another half century at Springfield on Sunday. James Lock too maintained a recent impressive run with 47 as Green reached 180 for 8.
The home side passed this total quite comfortably losing just 5 wickets despite Josh Barnard taking 2 for 29).

Haylett Hat Trick Too Much for Upminster

Chris Haylett (4-14), who took a hat trick, and Thomas Oakley proved to be too much for Upminster 'B' in this Under 11 fixture in the Havering Cup.
Played under terriers rules, Upminster managed 225 which Green more than matched with 304.

Wyatt and Powell Put Green On Top

Ardleigh Green moved to the top of Division One with a 6 wicket win against Orsett.
James Wyatt was the main destroyer taking 5 for 41 as Orsett were dismissed for just 164. Jon Powell took 3 for 3 to wrap up the innings.
Jon Powell then led the response with a fine 65 in a good opening partnership with Jo Jayasuriya (43). Rob Glasberg (20 n.o.) and Ian Russell (20) also made runs as Green cruised home with time and wickets in hand.
Brentwood's first defeat at Chelmsford leaves them 1 point behind in second place.

Castle Leads 2nds Home Against Harold Wood

The 2nd XI recovery continued with a narrow two wicket win against local rivals Harold Wood. Unusually, it was a less than proficient bowling performance that made life difficult as Wood set a target of 227 for 9. Russell Hawkins took 3 for 61 and Simon Brown 3 for 36.
In reply Gavin Castle dominated with a fine innings of 82 with Simon Brown contributing 35. After the Inspector's departure it was left to the cool head of James Lock (36 n.o.) to steer Green home in partnership with Aaron Hills.

3rds Crash at Harlow

The 3rd XI crashed to 86 all out on the unpredictable Harlow pitch. Lennehan took 6 for 35 in a poor batting display in which Ian Gibbs (24) and Ahmed Kiani (27) were the only players to reach double figures. The hosts eased home for the loss of just 4 wickets with Russell Savidge taking 2 for 7.

4th XI Hold On Against Wanstead

A strong Wanstead batting line up posted a commanding 266 for 4 wickets at Ilford Wanderers on Saturday. The openers raced away against the normally reliable Dave Brown and Dean Pruscino. Andy Cook broke the partnership with the help of a fine catch in the deep by Brad Scott. Joanne Cook bowled an impressive spell of 5 overs for just 17 runs to help apply a temporary break. Dave Lock (2-42) took the 2nd wicket when he bowled Southcott for 58 and bowled with a fair degree of control but the score was past 200 before another breakthrough was achieved. Palmer (67) launched the ball into orbit and Ken Moore took a splendid catch. Ken then took another catch off Dean Pruscino but that was the last success.
A good start was essential but the early loss of Captain Fierce and Ken Moore left Green reeling at 29 for 2. Jon Bayfield (42) and Dave Lock (46) rallied the side but both fell in successive overs having batted well in partnership. Alex Cason and Geoff Robinson (31 n.o.) steadied things with Alex dismissed having done much of the work required to save the game. Brad Scott and Dean Pruscino dealt some lusty blows to help Green to their 4th batting point in the final over.

Muddy and Minty Pile on the Runs

The 5th XI were struggling at 17 for 3 until a stand of 87 between Josh Barnard (31) and Malcolm Waters pulled things round. Muddy (114 n.o.) went on to complete magnificent undefeated century and put on 120 for the 5th wicket with Mick Barnard  (55) who scored a half century enabling Green to declare on 232 for 5.
Ilford did not look like losing with West (104 n.o.) scoring a century in reply having been dropped early in his innings.Back to List

The Kevan Ellis Trophy

Ardleigh Green played the London Fire Brigade for the Kevan Ellis trophy at Central Park on Friday. Ian Russell (92) accelerated after a steady start with Paul Hurworth making a sprightly 27 before his trademark kamikaze run out. Smudger blasted a quick 40 with most of the other batsmen recording double figures as Green score 262 from their 20 overs.
The Brigade began brightly with Andy Phillips striking the ball well and nicking the strike regularly. The Pig made the breakthrough and then removed the 'dangerous' Neil Cook first ball. The Sub and Pipey also picked up wickets as the LFB struggled to keep up with the rate and finished over 60 runs short.
Tony and Jeanne presented the trophy to Pipey Harris.

Green Get Masters Class

Jon Powell (25) and Ian Russell (99) got the 1st XI off to a steady start in their 3rd round tie of the Evening Standard Cricket Trophy at Lordswood last Sunday. The Leicestershire CCC seamer, Dave Masters, bowled a tight spell conceding only 1 run from his first five overs. Ralph took advantage of anything short bowled by the younger Masters and the pair were looking to accelerate when Jon was unfortunately run out by a direct hit. Royston Smith (55) and Russell built the innings in fine style much to the chagrin of the raucous home support. A large total looked likely at 180 for 1 but both batsmen fell in quick succession to bouncers from Masters. New batsmen found it hard to pick up the tempo and wickets fell regularly as Green closed on 228 for 8 from their 50 overs.
The home side boasted a strong batting line up but with the pitch showing signs of wear, Green fancied their chances if they could take early wickets. Royston Smith removed one of the openers with the assistance of a catch by Ali Horne. Smudger should also have removed the pinch hitter having lured him into another uppish drive but the chance was spilled. Shouts of "drop it" from the ever sporting spectators could hardly have helped the fielder. As the ball became softer the Green slow bowlers took a grip. Ali Horne (2-30) bowled a particularly fine spell and there was good back up from Misbah Uddin, Simon Jeffries and Chris Cook. However the whirlwind start gave the home batsmen a cushion and they eased home with 6 wickets and just over 2 overs to spare.

The Sub Leads Understudies to Sunday League Win

With the 1st XI playing a cup match it was a somewhat depleted side that took the field for the Sunday League game at home to Leigh-on-Sea. Martin Cason (55) and Dave Lock (38) returning after his dancing injury ensured that a challenging total was set with Simon Brown (33) and Trevor Oakley (21) also making valuable runs.
Skipper for the day, Russell Savidge bowled well to take 2 for 44 as did Trevor Oakley (2-20) Aaron Hills removed the dangerous Woller but with the visitors edging closer, The Sub took it on himself to bowl the last over and claim victory by 5 runs.

Gorsy Blasts Leigh

Mark Gorsuch (72) and Jon Bayfield destroyed Leigh-on-Sea 2nd XI with a belligerent century opening stand. Once parted there were a few alarms but Green were comfortable winners knocking of the 178 required in the 28th over for the loss of 5 wickets.
Earlier it was the (lack of) spin twins Pipey Harris (3-35) and Dave Mocock (2-39) who did most of the damage as the home side were restricted to 177 for 8 from their 40 overs.

Trigger Digs in as 1st XI Squeak Home

Everyone had to dig in and contribute as the 1st XI sneaked home by 1 wicket at Shenfield on Saturday. Mick Clarke (3-44), Royston Smith (2-41) and Misbah Uddin (3-3) all bowled well as the home side were dismissed for 186.
Such a target did not look to be enough as Jon Powell (23) and Jo Jayasuriya (35) began well for Green. However nobody really got established and wickets began to fall. Paul Nichols (36) and Chris Cook (20) made valuable contributions and the cool heads of Mick Clarke and Jumbo Jeffries saw them home.

Toast Leads From the Front to End Drought

Skipper Trevor Oakley lifted his side off the bottom of the table with a 5 wicket haul against Walthamstow at Central Park. The visitors were dismissed for 187 providing a much needed filip for the side.
The batting backed up the bowling with Gavin Castle (58), James 'The Snail' Lock (49 n.o.), Martin Cason (24) and Simon Brown (23 n.o.) all scoring heavily as Green got home with 7 wickets to spare.

Wickford No Match for 3rd XI

Joanne Bails Out Errant Cockinson

Joanne Cook flicked the last ball of the match for 4 to give the 4th XI a dramatic victory against Hornchurch on Saturday. Chasing 207 for victory, Jon Bayfield (30) and Kevin Brailey gave Green an excellent start but both fell in quick succession and were followed almost immediately by Ken Moore and Alex Cason. Captain Fierce (28) and Geoff Robinson (26) pulled things round with a half century stand but when both fell to Du Plooy, it looked to be the end of the challenge. However, Al Surrey (22) had other ideas as he set about the counter attack. Tonker Wyatt and Dean Pruscino provided a couple of bright moments but it was skipper Andy Cook (23 n.o.) who helped bring Green back into the picture. The pair brought the target within 16 runs when Al Surrey was bowled leaving Jo to join her dad in the middle. With just over 2 overs to go Jo clipped a 4 to reduce the target further but 8 were required off the last over. Andy launched the 2nd ball for 2 and then the 4th in similar direction for 4. The 5th brought a scrambled leg bye and with the field closing in Jo calmly picked her shot for victory.
The target should have been more manageable. The Hornchurch openers batted without much alarm but became slightly bogged down. Al Surrey struck immediately by dismissing both openers, one to a fine catch by Alex Cason, and taking a 3rd wicket. He could have picked up a couple more as Du Plooy was missed off a stupming chance first ball and then proceeded to hit powerfully in his 61. A score of 250 looked likely until Al Surrey claimed a fine boundary catch, one of his three for the innings. The bowlers then regained some control and did well to restrict the hosts to 206 for 8.

Young Attack Sends Wood Crashing

The reliable Muddy Waters (51 n.o.) scored another half century as the 5th XI ran up 211 for 6 in their league match with Harold Wood. Gary Green (40), Keith Walmsley (32) and Josh Barnard (26) all made useful runs as a challenging target was set.
With Harold Wood well placed in the league, a close encounter was anticipated but Matt Simmons (4-17), Josh Barnard (2-5), Adam green (2-12) and someone who is more than their combined age, Pipey Harris (2-15) saw Wood stumble to just 50 all out.