Weekly Round Up

The top two in Division One both picked up victories on Sunday to keep the title race bubbling nicely, while in the T20 group stage Wivenhoe join Halstead and Coggeshall on Finals Day.

Division One

They achieved their victories in completely different fashion, with Halstead benefitting from yet another concession from a struggling Galleywood.

Witham made the trip to Sudbury, and in a game reduced to thirty overs a side due to the extreme weather, batted first after winning the toss. Sudbury must have been thankful that the game was reduced, as they were run ragged in the field with Witham posting a massive 287 for 2. Michael Godwin (120) dominated the Witham innings, putting on 119 for the first wicket with Mason McDonald (19). He then put on a further 73 for the second wicket with Christopher Garrard before being bowled by Lasith Lakshan. Garrard (71no) and Kaan Hawes (51no) then combined with an unbroken third wicket stand of 95 as Witham reached the tea interval. In reply Sudbury were never really in the contest being restricted to 118 for 8, of which Ewan Day (39 from 45 balls) top scored. Harrison McDonald (2 for 18) and James Streetley (2 for 29) both picked up a brace of wickets for the visitors.

A much closer affair at Vista Road where Clacton chased down Colchester & E.E. 232. Batting first Colchester & E.E. looked as though they would pose a significant score with James Wilkinson (52) and CL Fernandes (42) putting on 80 for the first wicket, before a second wicket stand between Wilkinson and Liam Wheeler (58) of 83 took them to 163 for 2 in the 20th over. However, Peter Mann (5 for 43) and Kian Schwartz (3 for 49) put the breaks on by taking wickets, and with only Josh Elliott (39) making any significant contribution in the latter stages the visitors were bowled out for 232 at the start of the 35th over. Clacton’s reply was quickly in disarray as Felix Bond Roberts (2 for 40) and Liam Wheeler (2 for 11) reduced them to 37 for 4 in the 7th over. However, a fifth wicket stand of 164 between James Lee (59) and Daniel Williams put Clacton back in control, pacing their chase superbly to win with an over to spare. Williams undefeated on an excellent 120.

Division Two

Great Totham are up to second in Division Two, as they picked up the points without having to take to the field as Great Horkesley & Lexden conceded their fourth game of the season.

T20

Two T20 games took place last Thursday night with both Wivenhoe and Mistley looking to book their places at Finals Day with wins, that would have ended the pursuit of the chasing pack.

Wivenhoe claimed the third spot in Finals Day with a win at Abberton. Batting first the Lions were indebted to an unbroken fourth wicket stand of 99 between Nathan Schofield (50no) and Tom Sawdon (65no) as they posted 153 for 3. Liam Fields the most successful bowler with 2 for 24, although there were economic spells at the start of the innings from James Butcher (1 for 23) and Jamie Lucking (0 for 17). Wivenhoe raced to a seven wicket success in 14 overs, Alex Osborne (30) and Sahil Shah giving the visitors the perfect start with 67 opening stand in eight overs. Former Abberton man Matt Sullivan (47 from 18 balls) continued the assault, before Shah saw the visitors home with an unbeaten 57.

Mistley, however, missed their chance of qualification after they were beaten at home to Colchester & E.E., who are now occupying the fourth spot. It is still in Mistley’s hands as they have one game remaining which could see them leapfrog Colchester. On Thursday, Colchester batted first and after the early loss of Josh Elliott made runs fluently. Feroze Ahmed (50) and Joe MacGregor putting on 98 for the second wicket. MacGregor (90no from 54 balls) then enjoyed an unbroken third wicket stand with Liam Wheeler (32no) of 86 as Colchester posted an imposing 195 for 2. Mistley made every effort to chase down the target, with Kyran Young (85 from 49 balls) leading the chase. He received useful support from Sibonelo Makhanya (27) and Dylan Day (23), but the Swans were to fall short by 17 runs. Two wickets each for Josh Elliott (2 for 17) and Liam Wheeler (2 for 25), before Matt Wallace (4 for 15) raced through the lower order saw Mistley bowled out with 2 balls to go for 178.

T30

Brightlingsea dominated their T30 game with Tendring to make it four wins out of four in the competition. Half centuries for Oliver Wright (50 retired not out), Rowan Hunt (50 retired not out) and Ollie Hill (50) saw Brightlingsea post 235 for 2 from their 30 overs. In reply, miserly opening spells from Alex Hill (1 for 9 from 5) and Michael Barranger (2 for 3 from 4) ensured Tendring did not get off to the rapid start they needed. Harrison Walsham (53 retired not out) saw Tendring get up to their total of 135 for 8 and defeat by 100 runs.

NECL action starts this week on Thursday with the decisive match for Mistley as they host Wivenhoe. A win for Mistley will see them through to Finals Day, a defeat will see them miss out. If they do lose, then Galleywood or Abberton, could pip Colchester & E.E., but will need a significant one sided victory for either side to pass Colchester.

In Division One, the top two are both at home this Sunday, Halstead to Springfield, while chasing Witham welcome Colchester & E.E. In Division Two just the one game which will see Great Totham go top if they beat visitors Eight Ash Green.

Finally, just the one game in the T30 where Witham make the very short trip to Kelvedon.