Weekly Round Up

Division One

West Bergholt claimed their first victory in Division One in 2023 season, with a 44 run victory over Sudbury. Batting first, Bergholt recovered from the early loss of Jack Montgomery, with Ed Hance (48) and Will Main (59) putting on a healthy second wicket stand. The innings stalled in the later stages with only Joe Smith (14no) and Tea Thota (13) reaching double figures, as Morgan Waldock (3 for 28), Oliver Bradbury (2 for 22) and Thomas Tullin (2 for 39) took regular wickets. West Bergholt closed at 193 for 8 from their 40 overs. Kenny Moutlon-Day (57) and Keenan Waldock (31) got the Sudbury reply off to a solid enough start, but the introduction of Mohammed Ramali (3 for 15 from 9) and James Aldridge (2 for 24 from 9) stemmed the flow of runs. Sudbury were restricted to 149 for 7 from their 40 overs.

Division Two

Chelmsford made it three out three in Division Two, with an eight wicket victory over West Mersea at Chelmer Park. Mersea won the toss and elected to bat, but with only Marcus Hobson (24), Matthew Taylor-Smith (12) and James Rutter (11) reaching double figures the visitors were skilled for 71. Ben Lawrence (4 for 20) and Syon Tickoo (3 for 14) initiated the collapse. Chelmsford lost two cheap wickets to Ollie Wyatt (2 for 21), before Elliot Wenzel (43no) and Ayman Awsaf Hossain (26no) put on an unbeaten 3rd wicket stand of 47 to see Chelmsford to victory.

Great Bentley got the better of Eight Ash Green in a closely fought game at The Green. Batting first Bentley posted 180 for 8 from their 40 overs. Jonathon Hesketh (40) and Sam Busby (32) scoring the most for the home side. Luke Coppin was the most successful of the Eight Ash Green bowlers with 3 for 33 from his 8 overs. In reply, Great Bentley were always able to keep the run chase in control, despite solid knocks from Daryl Sleeman (40), Ethan Frost (40) and Richard Polley (36). Alfie Youngs was the most successful Bentley bowler with 2 for 16, as Bentley managed to restrict Eight Ash Green to 171 for 4, and win by 9 runs.

T20

Halstead opened their T20 campaign with a trip to Springfield, and won by 54 runs. Batting first after winning the toss Ryan Vickery (69) and Josh Wells (47) put together rapid knocks in the middle of the order, after Max Chu (29 from 19) had given Halstead the perfect start. Alex McSween (2 for 22) and Hriday Nakhat (2 for 19) both claimed a brace of wickets as Halstead closed at 188 for 5. Josh King (3 for 4) then reduced Springfield to 25 for 3 before recovery came in the form of Charlie Prudence (29), Noah Pothen (27) and Shan Thevasakayam (35). However, with Lewis Plumb (4 for 12) picking up wickets at the end of the innings they were bowled out for 134.

T30

Witham cruised to an eight wicket victory over West Bergholt. Bergholt were indebted to an undefeated 51 from opener Thomas Banks for the bulk of their 103 for 7, as the McDonald brothers Mason (3 for 27) and Harrison (2 for 2) helped restrict the scoring. Witham then eased to victory in just over 14 overs, with Mason McDonald (52no) completing a fine all round match.

Tendring were four wicket victors over Copford at Crow Lane. Copford batted first and posted 143 for 4 from their 30 overs, with skipper Samuel Lawson retiring not out for 50 from 42 balls. In reply, Tendring slumped to 28 for 4 as Finlay Owen (2 for 10) picked up early wickets. DJ Messenger (27 from 47) helped recover the innings but when he was 6th man out to Piers Comonte (2 for 14), Tendring were still 53 runs short of the target. Owen Jenno (39no) and Tom Dykes (34no) then completed an unbroken 7th wicket stand to see Tendring home in the 27th over.