Match Report - Earls Colne & Bures vs. Colchester & E Essex 24/04/05

(PDQ Cars League - Division 2)

Colchester 301 for 6 (45 overs)

Earls Colne & Bures 54 all out (not many overs)

Colchester won by 247 runs

The first game of the season on a fine Spring afternoon for Earls Colne and Bures with a number of regular players unavailable thanks to Winter sports commitments. Much stretching of limbs could not disguise the ring-rust of the E C & B eleven, by contrast Colchester (bolstered by a smattering of first teamers and overseas players) looked as if they meant business. Whatever happened however, we were going to enjoy ourselves in the lovely setting of Castle Park!

McKenna and Chambers C. opened the bowling for E C & B and achieved commendable control on an excellent batting wicket. The total mounted but wickets fell and Colchester were a little nervous at 80 odd for 5 after 19 overs. However, the change bowlers allowed the batsmen more scope and the Colchester total mounted, aided and abetted by a catalogue of E C & B fielding errors. A fine century for Colchester batsman Perrin ensued and with some very free scoring in the final 15 odd overs, Colchester closed at 301 for 6, a hugely daunting total.

After tea and in the absence of several front-line batsmen, E C & B replied cautiously but were shaken by the early loss of James Lee, caught behind. A reasonable stand between Chris Chambers and Henry Pilgrim followed until a loose shot accounted for the former and a run-out the latter. Wolfie fell for a Golden but Himesh Patel showed some heart and potential with a few fine blows. All of a sudden it was all over with four wickets falling in the final over (gifting a hat-trick to the delighted bowler) and Mr. Slow marooned at the non-striker's end watching the carnage. 54 all out. Oh dear!

In the bar afterwards we were down, but not out. The younger members enjoyed themselves in the practice net while the old pro's spoke of the need "to get one under the belt". Our thoughts move on to next week's games but one thing is for sure, if Colchester continue to field a side of this quality throughout the season there will be few sides if any who can keep with them. Time will tell.

Team - Colin Bocking (Capt.) Christopher Chambers, Patrick McKenna, Joe Smith, Henry Pilgrim, Jamie Pringle, Kelvin Pilgrim, James Lee, Himesh Patel, John Gibson, John Perfect.

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