The 1st XI bounced back from last week’s defeat at Brentwood with a 67-run win at Buckhurst Hill. After being put into bat, we struggled on a damp pitch and found ourselves 108-6. JP battled his way to 41 as we tried to post a competitive total. Bobby then strode to the crease and smashed a 45-ball 50 as we were bowled out for 196. Billy and Tripod bowled well up front and braces for both saw the home side reduced to 48-4. Inspector Gavin then continued his love affair with bowling at Roding Lane with another 5 wicket haul. His excellent figures of 9.5-2-23-5 saw Hill bowled out for 129 and 20 points on the board.

The 2s lost out by 4 wickets to Billericay at home as they failed to defend 194. Dillon Colar’s 1st 50 0f the season (63 not out) saw us finish close to 200. He was supported by Skipper Frank (33) and Freddie B (22) but the feeling was that we were 30 runs short at the break. However, Freddie and Yas bowled superbly at the top of the innings and when Kenny took 2 wickets, the away side looked a long way from their target. However, an unbroken 7th wicket stand took them to victory with 13 balls to spare as we paid the price for dropped chances.

The 3s lost away at Upminster as they fell to a 6 wicket reverse at Coopers. After being asked to bat, we were bowled out for 196 in the final over. Usama top scored with 56 and Skipper Peanut continued his good start to the season with 36. However, much like the 2s, and in the words of Dougie “not enough!” Pierre took an early wicket but a 107 run stand for the 2nd wicket put Upminster well on the way to victory. We took another 3 wickets but it wasn’t enough as the home side strolled to the 20 points with 5 overs to spare.

The 4th XI crushed Upminster by 10 wickets in a game that was finished by 4:00pm. After winning the toss, we took just 23.5 overs to dismiss our visitors. Naveen led the way with the ball with 4-18 and he was backed up by Stan Murray (5.5-4-6-3) and Huzaifa (3-39). The chase was achieved in the 17th over as Gary Stanley hit an unbeaten half-century and an early finish for all.

The 5th XI came up a little short against Redbridge as they went down by 39 runs. The effort with the ball was excellent as Redbridge were bowled out for 145. Charlie Lehane opened the bowling and took 3-28 and he was backed up with braces for Rony, Chan and Ben. Redbridge’s bowling was just as good our young and inexperienced side were unable to find a way of scoring enough runs despite Ben’s 32.