The 1st XI’s winning run came to a halt as they lost by 121 runs to Belhus in the season’s first timed game. Batting first, Belhus racked up 291/7 with the Joyce brothers making hay in the June sunshine. Old boy Shane Barwick also weighed in with a half century as we were set a daunting chase.

CTM and George made a good start to the chase after we lost an early wicket. However both fell in quick succession to leave us trying to save the game. We managed to take the game deep but we were unable to hold on and we’re bowled out for 170 with 5 overs left. Barwick and another ex-player, Max Osbourne, doing the damage with 3 wickets each.

It was a disappointing start to the longer format of the game on a day where a number of decisions didn’t go our way. We will look to bounce back next week when we travel to Brentwood.

The 2nd XI had a losing draw against Buckhurst Hill but at least showed some fight to end their losing run. Batting first, the home side posted 255/5. Shahid Mann scored a brutal century, benefitting from a somewhat interesting decision when he was on 2. In reply, we lost wickets at regular intervals and had to dig in for a draw as we finished in 139/8. Palmer top scoring with 29 whilst Daffy and Sam Brooks ensured we stopped the run of defeats.

The 3rd XI provided the day’s only win with a 5 wicket victory over Wickford. Bowling first, wickets were shared around as the home side finished up on 162/9. On a tough pitch to bat on, we grounded out the chase to move up to 2nd in the table. The wickets were shared around by all 6 bowlers, with braces for Dan Stevens-Reynolds and Pierre.

Our chase was led by a Azian, who continued his blistering start to the season with 74. Despite a slight collapse, skipper Hagrid and Old man Barnie, saw us home to a big 20 points.

The 4th XI came up short again as they lost by runs to Walthamstow. Chasing 248, we were bowled out for 174 as we lost by 73 runs. Full match report to follow- scorecard has gone missing!

A very youthful 5th XI produced a spirited performance away to Horndon-on-the-Hill despite losing by 98 runs. With 7 U15s including an U13 making his debut in senior cricket, we did extremely well to bowl the home side for 217. Joseph Ross excelled in his first ever adult game, taking 3-9 off 4 overs, which included a wicket with just his 4th delivery.

In reply, the youth were unable to replicate their efforts with the ball as we fell to 56-8. However a last wicket stand of 62 between skipper Farqs (29*) and 14-year-old James Martin (28) saw us reach treble figures. Despite the loss, there were many positives as we continue to introduce our younger players into adult cricket.