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

Ardleigh 133 (38 overs)

(Colin Bocking 10-0-34-7)

Earls Colne & Bures  136 for 5 (30 overs)

(Adrian Wigan 46, Steve Thornton 42)

Earls Colne & Bures won by 5 wickets

A splendid victory for E C & B at Green Farm Meadows.

Mr Slow was undecided as to what he should do if the toss were to be won. The green but dry wicket was certain to offer the opening bowlers some swing in the overcast conditions, but the fast outfield hinted at a big score for the side batting first. He was almost relieved to lose the toss and to be asked to field first. The use of the new ball may well be decisive, he thought. He was wrong. It was to be the day of the slow bowler!

Christopher Chambers and Joe Smith both bowled well but without luck and without many chances (save a desperate left-hand stop in the gully by Wolfie), enjoying only occasional movement in the air or off the pitch. The Ardleigh openers accumulated steadily to a position of 50 for 0 off 15 overs, potentially an excellent base for a total. However, a change of pace yielded the prized wickets of the openers as Mr. Slow enjoyed variable movement and bounce off the dusty pitch and the captain proceeded to work his way through the middle order, most ably assisted by the economical Peter Shury at the other end. From 50 for 0, Ardleigh capitulated to 91 for 8 with the captain enjoying 7 wickets for the first time in his (rather lengthy) career. However, the Ardleigh tail wagged with 35 runs added for the final wicket before Wiggy, in his return from a most prolonged of educations, settled the issue.

Tea at Earls Colne has become a gourmet affair in response to local competition. Kayleigh Webb is producing delicious fayre, with sandwiches, chilli vol-au-vents and fruit flans amongst other treats. The Bures players began to feel at home, having long been used to such feasts, and Kayleigh deserves credit for her efforts.

Overcoming initial reluctance, openers Adrian Wigan and Steve Thornton strode out to the crease, to ride out a firey response from the Ardleigh opening bowlers. What a pleasure to see them both at the crease after a break of some years. Wiggy exuding class and punishing the poor delivery and Steve exhibiting a determination which belies his modest demeanour. The score moved on to 68 without loss before both batters ended up at the same end with the obvious and sad run-out. Willy Willsher dibbed and dabbed his way to a few before Chris Ayers and Joe Dutton gave a proper village perspective to the game with a few lusty blows on the leg side. As the target approached, it remained for "Mr. Reliable" John Gibson and Jamie Pringle to hit the necessary runs and victory for the home side was achieved.

After he had calmed down a little, Mr. Slow led the opposition and his own team through a tutored tasting of Bushy's Manx Bitter from the Isle of Man, and onwards to The Five Bells at Colne Engaine where live music and various beers were much enjoyed by all and for rather longer than intended. An excellent result for the team and a shot in the arm for the captain himself. After a poor start to the season, spirits have been lifted and we approach next week with fresh optimism ....

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