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Already promoted, E C & B
secured the division 3 title by beating lowly Cavaliers in a
match played in a party atmosphere at Bures.
Mr. Slow's proven inability
with the coin once again stood him in good stead, allowing first
use of the new ball to the Cavaliers bowlers on a damp Bures
wicket. The opening salvo was of a high standard, with E C &
B openers Lewis Chambers and David Coyle struggling to come to
terms with generous lateral movement both in the air and off the
pitch. Initial progress on the part of the batters was slow,
with just 19 runs coming from the first 10 overs, but perhaps
crucially for Cavaliers, no wicket was taken. The pressure eased
with the introduction of the change bowlers and Chambers
particularly filled his boots. The scoring rate accelerated
rapidly with the first wicket falling in the 24th over with the
score at 125. A mini-collapse of the middle order then focussed
the mind a little. James Lee, six-and-out. Glenda caught,
top-edging a girlie sweep. Henners bowled, looking all at sea
against the left-arm spinner. And Oakers, relishing a promotion
in the order and looking to justify his captain's faith, with a
second-ball duck! This allowed a less-than circumspect Chris Ayers to the
crease. Somewhat beer-fuelled one suspects, Ayersy announced his
defensive intentions with two brutal pulls for four, followed by
a classic Ayers flat six off the back foot, straight back over
the bowlers head! Coyley continued his
accumulation to reach an excellent 50 and then onwards and
upwards to 97 before holing out to long-on just three short of
his ton (about which he was mightily miffed, but we all thought
was rather funny!). Baby brother Kevin smacked a brace of sixes
before being bowled, giving the charge. Steady McKenna
threatened briefly with commendable movement of the bat (but
sadly not the feet.....), Potty and finally Mr. Slow, obdurate
in defence for his three balls received. E C & B closed at
243 all out, an excellent total. A
copious and gastronomic Suzy Pattinson tea beckoned and within
minutes eleven disappointed E C & B faces were staring at
empty plates and a table cloth, the entire feast having been
consumed! But Suzy was not finished, arriving with further
plates of homemade cakes and sandwiches before these too were
dispatched in record time. Fantastic! A former Sandwich of the
Year finalist, Suzy showed us that she has lost none of her
touch, with the homemade Bakewell tart just winning the vote over the
mini chocolate muffins, of which Kevin could manage only 12! Post-tea
lethargy, commensurate with Suzy's tea and a depletion of the
pavilion's beer stocks, set in. Accurate opening spells from Big
Pat and especially Potty ensured that the E C & B total
would not be threatened. Mr. Slow shared the bowling duties
around with all ten fielders getting their chance for glory.
Some even attempted to emulate the old master himself, but
without the Master's flight or lack of pace. Lewis Chambers bowled for
the first time for 16 years, completing his over with only two
wides and 16 runs conceded, while Henners and Glenda bowled
tightly enough to suggest that they may be required to bowl more
in the future. As the
final wicket fell, the autumn sun emerged from the clouds and
the two sides were able to reflect on their respective fortunes.
For Earls Colne & Bures, this inaugural season has been
outstandingly successful. We have won the division and will be
promoted to division 2 for next year. The alliance between the
two clubs surely promises much for the future. With the beer and
wine stocks exhausted, the two sides repaired to The 'shoes for
further imbibing. Your correspondent left early citing domestic
commitments and an impending bowel movement but the party
continued on into the night. Thanks
are due to the following for their efforts and support over the
season (in no particular order, we love you all!) All
the tea ladies and their helpers at both Earls Colne and Bures.
We all appreciate your efforts and sincerely hope that we never
take you for granted! The
ground staff at both Earls Colne and Bures who prepare the
wickets, especially Terry Prestney and Brian Keeble and all the
others who have spent hours cutting and rolling the pitches over
the summer. The officers,
Presidents and Vice Presidents of both Earls Colne & Bures
and District cricket clubs for their behind-the-scenes work. To
Debra and Danny Coyle for scoring and umpiring/scoring
respectively. And last but
not least, special thanks to Hugh Thornton (Bures CC President)
and Nick Oakley (ECCC) for having provided the beer and wine
respectively for
yesterday's bash in the pavilion! We had something to celebrate,
you understand ......... 
PDQ
North Essex Cricket League Division 3 Champions 2004
EARLS
COLNE & BURES C.C. 26/09/04 (Back,
left to right) Lewis Chambers, Chris Chambers, Patrick McKenna,
David Coyle, James Lee, Glen Lesiak (Front,
left to right) Chris Ayers, Kevin Coyle, Colin Bocking (Capt.),
Henry Pilgrim, Nick Oakley
PDQ
CARS NORTH ESSEX CRICKET LEAGUE
DIVISION
THREE - FINAL LEAGUE TABLE |
| |
P |
WON |
LOST |
VOID |
BON |
TOT |
AVE |
| Earls
Colne & Bures |
22 |
14 |
4 |
4 |
26 |
306 |
17 |
| Galleywood |
22 |
14 |
5 |
3 |
29 |
309 |
16.26 |
| Bocking |
22 |
10 |
6 |
6 |
39 |
239 |
14.94 |
| Eastcliff |
22 |
9 |
8 |
5 |
46 |
226 |
13.29 |
| Lt Clacton |
22 |
10 |
9 |
3 |
52 |
252 |
13.26 |
| High Easter |
22 |
10 |
9 |
3 |
43 |
243 |
12.79 |
| Clacton |
22 |
9 |
9 |
4 |
45 |
225 |
12.5 |
| Eight Ash
Green |
22 |
9 |
10 |
3 |
52 |
232 |
12.21 |
| Cavaliers |
22 |
5 |
12 |
5 |
69 |
169 |
9.94 |
| Cressing |
22 |
7 |
10 |
5 |
24 |
164 |
9.65 |
| Lexden |
22 |
5 |
12 |
5 |
63 |
163 |
9.59 |
| Abberton |
22 |
5 |
13 |
4 |
53 |
153 |
8.5 |
Other league tables are here
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