Intro

SATURDAY’S matches saw the first XI host Wickford, winning the toss and batting Town lost 2 wickets early on with Baldwin being run out for 2 and Azam being caught at slip also for 2. Chauhan looked to be aggressive however wickets kept falling and Town saw themselves at 83-5 with Chauhan falling for 46. Captain Farmer (34) and keeper Pat Yates (21) looked to rebuild the innings on a slow outfield until Yates fell. Alderson fell for 2 and not long after Farmer’s innings came to an end. Eversden (22*) and Ronnie Yates (19*) then set upon kicking on the innings in the final few overs and got the side to 192-8 from their 50 overs.

Ronnie Yates took three wickets in the draw to Wickford

Town started well with the ball with Chauhan picking up the early wicket of Farrington in the first over. Quant and Farmer both picked up early wickets to leave the visitors 41-3. The introduction of spinners Ronnie Yates (3-46) and Azam (2-45) put the pressure on tight leaving Wickford 78-6 with Kinsey falling for 47. However Westwood counterattacked and went after any loose balls, eventually falling for 55. A few more wickets were picked up towards the end, however time came to an end and town fell short of the 2 wickets needed victory, finishing with a draw and 9 points.

The second XI recorded back-to-back victories with a 7 wicket victory away to Woodford Green. Bowling first, spinners Davies and Rowell picked up 3 wickets each bowling the hosts out for 184. In reply, all batsman made contributions, George Richardson top scored with 65 and Ben Tyne with 46 as they cantered to victory inside 37 overs.

The third XI drew at home with Horndon-on-the Hill. The visitors set 201 from their 50 overs with Vic Goddard the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 13 from his 12 overs. Tight bowling restricted Town to 137 for 7 with Marc Lowers top scoring with 30.

Finally the fourth XI lost to Albury. Chasing 242 for 2, they were bowled all out for 40.

This weekend’s fixtures

Horndon-on-the-Hill v 1st XI

2nd XI v Benfleet
3rd XI v Hadleigh & Thundersley
Thundridge v 4th XI