Match Report - Earls Colne & Bures vs. Eastcliff 04/07/04

Eastcliff 175 for 5 (40 overs)

(Mr. Slow 9-2-11-1)

E C & Bures 176 for 6 (39.1 overs)

(Lewis Chambers 114, Patrick McKenna 31 not out)

Result - Win for E C & Bures

Earls Colne & Bures squeezed a victory out of a tight game played over 40 overs at Vicarage Meadow, thereby reinforcing their position at the top of the table.

The coin failed E C & B skipper Amos, with Eastcliff choosing to wield willow on a good batting wicket. "Wolfie" Gibson charged in from the top end (pausing occasionally to conduct bonus points calculations), while Mr. Slow trundled erratically from the rookery end. The Eastcliff batters struggled to come to terms with alternative overs of raw pace and erratic line and progress on the runs front was painfully slow. However, with the introduction of the change bowlers Webb and McKenna an increase in run rate occurred, with the latter particularly not his usual economical self. E C & B progress on the wickets front was impeded by an inability to hold catches with Mr. Slow comically failing to hold a straightforward chance at fine leg, aided and abetted by more difficult spilled chances by Webby and Wolfie. James Lee's normally immaculate fielding skills deserted him, his body developing a permeable characteristic and Eastcliff filled their boots. Innings closed at 175 for 5, perhaps 75 more than the batting deserved!

After a Suzy/Carol tea, the E C & B reply started tentatively with a shower of rain having livened the wicket up somewhat! Skipper Amos was quickly back in the pavilion bowled off a bottom edge, a mode of dismissal also subsequently favoured by Matt Whitthread. However, Lewis Chambers set about the task resolutely while carnage ensued at the other end. James Lee LBW. Mr. Slow caught (again!). It was not until Patrick McKenna came to the crease that Lewis was able to find a batting partner who would stay around. An excellent partnership developed with Lewis dominant but Patrick resolute. The 100 partnership arrived in good time with Lewis providing the necessary acceleration to keep up with the required rate. Finally, eleven runs were required off 2 overs to win the game. Lewis hit what seemed to be a certain six behind square but somehow the deep square fielder held onto an improbable catch with Lewis dismissed for 114, a (as it turned out) match winning innings. Enter Wolfie Gibson who calmed the E C & B butterflies with a confident straight drive for four. With just one run needed to win the game in the final over, the contest was all but won but the formalities were complete after just the first ball - a wide!

The elated E C & B players congratulated Lewis and Patrick on their excellent innings as Eastcliff proved to be a magnanimous opponent by accepting defeat with good grace.  Both sides repaired to The Eight Bells for refreshment, celebration and commiseration. The combined Earls Colne & Bures side sits proudly atop the division 3 table, having won 7 out of 8 games played. The bandwagon rolls on ...........

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