Gidea Park & Romford CC Saturday 3rd X1 v Saffron Walden on Sat 31 May 2003 at 1.30pm
Match was Drawn
Having lost the toss on what looked to be the flattest of wickets, it was important that we batted positively with some style. An opening stand of 104 between Keith Wright and Phil Goldstone (24), followed by a 2nd wicket stand of 110 between Keith and Jerry Trayler (57) laid the foundations of a massive total. Although we lost a couple of cheap middle order wickets, a 6th wicket stand of 49 between Dave Goldsmith (23) and Jason Toogood (25) enabled us to amass 284-6 after our entitled 52 overs. Special mention to Keith Wright who may of in the past "given it away" after reaching 50. Well he did'nt and his 128 (14x4 & 3x6) was a magnificent effort in very hot conditions when concentration is a must.
Saffron Walden were soon in trouble against Jason Toogood (1-25) and Paul Winmill (2-22) and I am sure that had Paul not suffered a hamstring injury after just 6 overs, the outcome of the game would of been different. This enabled SW to recover to 112-3 before they lost 3 wickets in 3 balls bowled by Dave Cobill (no it was no hat trick - included a run out). We managed to claim 3 more wickets but could'nt dislodge the last wicket pair despite all our bowlers efforts. Dave Cobill (3-56) and Andy Jenner (2-22) producing good spells on a very unresponsive track.
Saffron Walden have a good batting side and I think that in the end they will contest a promotion place in this league. As a result, I thought it was necessary to put as many points between us and them as possible, this we did 12 - 4. Losing the toss made winning the game very difficult so I thought we had to bat them out of the game and we were unlucky not to win in the end. After the weekends results we have gone from 14 to 18 points ahead. Hindsight - forget it! Enjoy the Derby Keith. Roll on Harlow!!
Gidea Park & Romford CC Saturday 3rd X1 Batting
284 for 6
Saffron Walden Bowling
Saffron Walden Batting
167 for 9
Gidea Park & Romford CC Saturday 3rd X1 Bowling
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Umpire :
Lance Thomas
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Scorer :