Match Report - Earls Colne & Bures vs. Cavaliers 29/05/04

E C & Bures 221 all out (44 overs)

(James Lee 68, David Coyle 53)

Cavaliers 87 all out (40 overs)

E C & Bures won by 134 runs.

Comprehensive victory for Earls Colne and Bures in spite of intervention from the weather and some resolute defence from the Cavaliers batters!

Mr. Slow once again won the toss and decided to bat on a reasonable wicket at the Colchester Rugby Club. A productive partnership ensued, with David Coyle matching James Lee run-for-run and the score stood at 106 for no loss after 20 overs. Run-for-run they may have been but the two innings could hardly have been more different in character, with David all watchful defence and crafty running and James favouring the boundary route and being particularly savage on anything short of a length. The first wicket fell in the 26th over with David perishing to an uncharacteristic aerial shot and James following in the 28th over, caught at deep wide long-on. There followed a procession of free-hitting E C & B batters who capitalised on the fine start of the openers, with Kev Coyle and Patrick McKenna perhaps the most effective. Bures closed at 221 all out, a more-than respectable total.

An open air tea was much enjoyed by the players, followed by the resumption of play. Cavaliers at once found progress difficult against an opening attack of Kieron Webb and Christopher Chambers. A break for rain followed, followed by better weather but a certain reluctance on the part of Cavaliers to resume play on the damp outfield. However, agreement for a resumption was agreed between the two captains and wickets began to tumble in the face of a painfully slow run rate. Exceptionally economical bowling from David Coyle and Christopher Chambers featured, allowing Mr. Slow and Big Pat to mop up six wickets at the end with Cavaliers closing at a rather feeble 87 all out.

The players adjourned to the delightful setting of the Dog and Pheasant in Mile End for refreshment. This "Hungry Horse" establishment has little to commend it apart from serving perhaps the most gargantuan meals ever seen. After a social drink with the opposition, certain players agreed to adjourn to Bures for a beer or two with Potty at the front, but were sadly ensnared by the ludicrous Mile End 5-yard-long bus lane. A fifteen minute detour (which doubtless worked wonders for the problem of global warming) found the players back on course and beer was duly taken in the Bures Swan.

So the Earls Colne and Bures bandwagon rolls on. Played 7, won 6, lost 1. Top of Division 3 of the league. PDQ North Essex Cricket League tables are here

A most satisfactory start to the season. Roll on next week!

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