Well that is MUCH better!
Despite the First XI fixture at Hornchurch being abandoned midway through the home innings (Will Chuter four wickets for just 21 runs including seven wides), Park returned three improved solid performances this weekend.
Our Second XI hosted local rivals Harold Wood and were put into bat by the away side. That looked a good decision as the home team lost two early wickets for just 23 runs before losing a further couple for a total of 77. Having dropped a couple of chances, Wood could have had the innings sewn up but with captain Callum Mitcham holding firm for his half-century off 79 balls, a well-built 39 by James Brown and a quick-fire 41 (30 balls) from last week's star Shaker Ullah Wasiq, the home side managed to push the score to just four short of the 200.
In reply, Shaker (one wicket for 19 runs) and Adam McKie (two for 18) kept the opening few restricted and were always holding the run rate to a manageable level. Given the game could have gone to a 'run rate', these two provided a perfect backbone until spinners Nirbhay Bist (two for 24 off eight overs) and James Brown (two for 22 off five) got hold of the middle order and the game finished as a contest just before another rain shower. A cracking 48 run win for Park who now go on to face league table leaders Hutton in a tough contest with many of the local stars missing from the teamsheet.
The Third XI went to Ardleigh Green for another local game between two sides battling at the foot of the table.
Electing to field, Park were always on the back foot once home opener Martin Cason got going, his eventual 135 in partnership with Paul Collis (77) leading to a good total of 257 after the 40 overs.
In reply the away side were always forced to chase the high run rate but performed admirably with Matthew Burch (36) Rahul Kainth (46) Marlon Jayasekara (79) and under-13 player James Radden (24) all contributing to what would usually be a winning score of 246 in the 39th over.
An 11-run defeat in what must have been a fantastic game to watch.
Finally our Fourth XI were confident hosting bottom-of-the-table Shenfield and were proven right to be so.
Electing to bat, Shenfield were torn apart by the home bowlers, highlighted by Mohammed Rashid (three wickets for five runs off eight overs) and Michael Ryan (three for 27)eventually dismissing the visitors for just 76 in just over 31 overs.
In fairness to the visitors this was going to an almost impossible defence but with Will Bowden taking three wickets for 28 there was at least some highlight in the eventual 7 wicket loss.
Highlight for the Park team was Joe Tyler's 31 not out but this was over as a contest in just over halfway and the drinks probably tasted a touch better in the clubhouse.
A good week for all - here's hoping for more as we arrive at the last few games of the year.