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Update on Harlow Players Involved in Representative Matches
Baulks Stars for Essex Over 60's Whilst CCC Beat Essex 2nd XI
Harlow legend Simon Baulcomb fought back from injury to be able to line up for Essex Over 60 side in their National Cup Quarter Final in Wales this week. Match report follows below the CCC action around up where our own Ben Yeats was making his CCC debut.
Meanwhile, at Bishops Stortford CC, the Club Cricket Conference representative team beat Essex 2nd XI in a gripping final session on Day 3 that saw eight Essex wickets tumble despite an incredible century from Charlie Allison (Colchester CC). Earlier in the day the CCC added 220-2 before declaring, unfortunately meaning Ben didn't get a bat second time around, with Zac Fagg (Sandwich Town CC) top scoring with 73. Essex 2nd XI were in desperate trouble at 105-6 but Viv Hassen (Chingford CC) and Allison added a rapid counterattacking 120 partnership before Hassen ran past one coming down the track and thereafter the tail collapsed to leave a CCC victory by 17 runs. Good news is Ben has been informed he will be selected for CCC fixtures next season after his efforts this week.
Back to Baulks and a long road trip. Over to the Essex match report for details.
Match report for Essex 60's 2nds v Wales 60's 2nds at Abergavenny on Tuesday 16th August (Quarter final national knockout)
Playing a Wales side unbeaten in 2 years, Essex lost the toss and were asked to bat first. At 86-3 Simon Baulcomb came to the crease. Simon has looked imposing on the two previous occasions he has got to bat, but serious injuries had curtailed his season. The game was there for the taking and how he and Steve Adcock, now returned to excellent form, began to take a flagging but disciplined bowling attack apart. The fielding remained on a level superior to other opposition, so every run had to earned. Skipper Nigel was constantly reassessing a good score, first 200 and then when this was surpassed with 6 overs to go maybe 240. Steve 66 off 55 was eventually bowled (with the score at 205) with the ball barely brushing the off stump. Incoming Terry H was happy to rotate the strike giving Simon, who was now well passed 50, the chance to close in on a much deserved 100. It was unfortunate that he should perish for 84 off only 57 balls including 10 '4's' and 1 '6' at the end of the penultimate over. Andy Beaven 4 (3) joined Terry H 19 (17) to add 11 in the final over. A final score of 258 for 5 was by a distance our best batting display of the season. Seven bowlers had been used to quell the carnage in the 40 overs.
In reply, all eyes were initially on the weather as from such a strong position getting 20 overs completed was needed to guarantee the win. What followed is difficult to explain, although in retrospect more easily understood.
With the required rate touching 8 an over, Andrew picked up the wicket of Lyn Rees whose 46 off 59 balls looked ominous. It took an excellent catch by Martin Southwell on the edge of the 30-yard circle at mid-off to dismiss him. A third wicket, that of Mark Williams 32 (40) stumped to a swinging wide by Terry H off Andrew. When Danny Griffiths was bowled by Andrew at 151, 107 were still needed with just over 12 overs remaining. By the time 10 overs were left 90 was needed. At this point, with nothing to lose virtually every ball was swung at by John Wellington and Anthony Smith. Martin Southwell, is relied upon to tie up the end of the innings and usually with a clutch of wickets. Unfortunately, on this occasion the luck (and there was plenty of it) favoured the batsman. A difficult catch was spilled on the boundary and from this point the barrage of sixes, unusual in 60's cricket ensued. Three in one over by Wellington off Martin disappeared out the ground. Another difficult chance offered by Smith at deep extra cover was not taken, but in truth not enough wicket taking opportunities were created during the innings (travel fatigue?). Martin Southwell, eventually got some reward by running out Wellington 44 (30) with a direct hit , side on at extra cover at 230 for 5. Durston joined Smith and was initially subdued. A difficult wide legside stumping chance, provided a let off for Durston, who was struggling to score at this point. At the other end Smith was still blazing away with 5 '4's and 1 '6' to bring down the rate to 7 an over. It was decided for Martin to swap ends with two overs and 14 needed. Ken Greenaway had struggled to find a consistent rhythm and when a waist high full toss was not called a 'no ball' Durston, outraged by the injustice charged next ball and smited a six. 13 were scored off the over leaving one of the last. Martin gamely applied the pressure with all fielders in, but with a scruffy leg bye off the fourth ball, Essex fate was sealed.
A long trip back from Wales for a grumpy Baulks but he can be very proud of his excellent first season in county colours where he has contributed heavily with the bat and ball.