NAZEING Common 1st XI were held to a draw by Bishop’s Stortford in a magnificent advert for local cricket. Batting first, Nazeing started brightly with skipper Reese and upmarket Anatolian off license owner Cos Achillea putting on over 100 runs for the first wicket. The Commoners continued to score quickly with Achillea completing a superb century despite having to weather some nerves in the nineties. The innings ended with some aggressive hitting from Jamie Stevens before Paul Quinn began the process of rebuilding his confidence after his recent golden duck. The innings came to a close when Reese declared on 238/6 after 43 overs, meaning Stortford had 48 overs to chase down their target. 

Stortford’s reply got off to an inauspicious start with Nazeing’s 5’11” opening bowler Ed Taylor taking 3 quick wickets. At the other end Josh Stevens appeared to be nursing a groin strain as he struggled to find his rhythm. Reese quickly rang the changes, bringing on Quinn and Jamie Stevens in an attempt to spin Nazeing to victory. At this point Stortford, knowing Nazeing had to take all 10 wickets in order to win, began to resist in earnest. Despite wickets falling regularly an excellent 10 over partnership for the 8th wicket meant that it all came down to the last over. Even though he took a wicket with his second ball, Jamie Stevens was not able to remove Stortford’s number 11. Stortford ended up on 1154/9. Match drawn. 

Speaking after the game, Cos Achillea said, “This century has been a long time coming. I’m absolutely delighted. Perhaps now my dad will start comparing my to Jimmy rather than Anita.”

Nazeing’s 2nd XI made it three wins in a row a dominant performance against Harlow Town. Bowling first, Nazeing’s attack, lead by the hirsute O’Neill (2/37) and always impressive Seera (3/24), made early inroads. A few tight spells by veterans Kadwill and Walker paved the way for youngster Luke Rivers (2/15) and Michael Prince (3/30) to contain Harlow to 165. Nazeing got off to a good reply with the opening pair score 38 before Bays was removed for 7. Kadwill and O’Neill then departed in quick succession leaving Nazeing teetering at 72/4. However, an excellent 80 run partnership between Billy and Luke Rivers saw the Commoners home to a five wicket win. 

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