Match Report - Earls Colne & Bures vs. Clacton Ramblers 01/05/05

Ramblers 191 for 4 (40 overs)

E C & Bures 94 All Out (32 overs)

Marconi won by 10 runs

Defeat again for E C & B following a poor batting performance on a lively and green Earls Colne wicket.

Bright and sunny early morning weather gave way to lunchtime rain, forcing the captains to agree to a 40 over game, with a 2.15pm start. Mr. Slow called correctly, and immediately asked Ramblers to bat on a wicket which would undoubtedly help the bowlers. Mr. Slow and Big Patrick wheeled away quite effectively but without a breakthrough. Clayton Jeffrey accumulated patiently and survived a chance or two, with nothing for the home side going to hand. Chris Chambers achieved commendable control and finally removed Clayton for a most effective 71. The Ramblers middle order took heavy toll on the change bowlers, with poor Wolfie being clubbed for a trio of towering sixes at the hands of Anthony Hazleton before Joe Smith sent him back to the pavilion for a quick-fire 36. Ramblers closed at 191 for 4, a pretty daunting total of a slow and difficult wicket.

Kayleigh Webb's first E C & B tea was a delight with a fine selection being much enjoyed by all, especially Mr. Slow's mum and dad, out on a 60th wedding anniversary outing! The E C & B reply started confidently but we were soon in trouble. Sadly, none of the top order batsmen made a meaningful contribution to the total and the innings slumped to 55 for 5 of 19 overs. As further wickets fell, it was left to senior batsman David Guthrie to show us all how to do it, with a patient 21 before a low, shooting LBW sent him packing. Finally, rookie batsman Joe Dilworth out survived his namesake Smith and it was all over.

A reflective E C & B side assembled in the Rec. Club afterwards as Mr. Slow sank into his Nethergate bitter. This has been a difficult start to the season with many regular players absent. But the night is young......

On to next week.

Earls Colne & Bures X1- Lewis Chambers, Chris Chambers, Henry Pilgrim, James Lee, Colin Bocking, Derrick Messent, John Gibson, Joe Smith, Patrick McKenna, David Guthrie, Joe Dilworth.

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