BOTH Nazeing Common’s claimed two victories over local rivals Matching Green on a wonderful day of Herts and Essex Border League cricket last weekend.

The first team, bowling first, made early inroads into Matching’s top order. Rhythmic bowling from Josh Stevens and a sharp catch from his brother Jamie at short cover brought the first wicket. This was followed up by two wickets in consecutive balls from 5 ’10” Ed Taylor. Bowling down hill, the portly opener exhibited excellent control in his spell of 2 wickets for 11 runs off 8 overs. Despite both Jamie Stevens (2/42) and Paul Quinn (3/37) taking regular wickets, Matching’s middle and lower order batted well and benefited from a series of preposterous drops from both Stevens and Eke to post a defendable target of 157/9.

Nazeing’s reply got off to the worst possible start with in form batsman Cos Achillea almost matching Paul Quinn’s recent golden duck when he was dismissed for 0 with the third ball of the innings. Skipper Reese and local hype man Michael Blair (43) did a very good job steadying the ship, putting on 63 runs for the second wicket. However, the return of Charlie Bass brought the innings to a juddering halt. With a spell reminiscent of sausage roll gate, he ripped through Nazeing’s middle order leaving the hosts teetering at 94/5. Nazeing’s self-appointed number one batsman, Jamie Stevens will be particularly disappointed after leaving a straight one. However, all was not lost as first Josh Stevens and Taylor put on meaningful partnerships with Rob Mackie to close out the win. The first team are now 3rd in the HEBL Premier Division, 13 points behind first placed Matching Green.

Nazeing’s second eleven travelled to Matching in a slightly one sided reverse fixture. Batting first, the Common put on 251/5. Ross Edwards stood tall with the bat to score 91*. He was ably supported by Nazeing’s only Liverpudlian Andy Humphry (65) and Lee Walker (30). A special mention should also go to the Rivers brothers, Billy and Luke, who were both out for a duck.

Matching’s response never really got started with wickets falling steadily. Veteran speedster Darren Dack (1/24) took his first wicket of the season but the real damage was done by Mike Plume who came out of retirement to take 4/7 in a match winning spell. Tarun Seera and Luke Rivers closed out the innings to bowl Matching out for 90 and seal a 161 run for Nazeing. Nazeing sit top of HEBL Division 2.