Earls Colne Versus Mistley 2nd XI.  June 9th, at home.

Heavy rain, very heavy rain on Friday morning had softened up the wicket considerably, but a warm dry Saturday greeted us for the game against Mistley, so we elected to bowl on a sticky dog of a wicket, that might, just might, dry up later on and become easy to bat on.  Smiffy and Oakers opened the bowling and Mistley struggled along at barely more than two an over. Then followed Dave Cooney and Peter Shury continuing the good work  But number 3 (Jackson, 50) and number 4 (Churchill, 31) stuck together to bring some respectability to the Mistley total.  Himesh got a go at the top end with his off breaks and Mistley eventually posted a semi-respectable 178 - 8 by the end..  Without doubt the champagne moment came with Kevin Williams brilliantly running out one of  Mistley's players with an underarm direct hit, but spoilt it all by showing off and doing to the next batsman also - a 'magnum of champagne moment' perhaps!

Mistley 178-8.  Jackson 50, Churchill 31.

Great teas as usual from Jane Smith and suitably refreshed we set about Mistley's total.

But quickly Oakers was back in the pavilion leaving Gwyn and Kevin settled the ship, Gwyn adding 19 runs, and Kevin 24, before the two Davids (Brooker and 'Busby' Cooney) decided to take decisive action, by clubbing the ball to all parts for a partnership of 100.  Dave Cooney pulled a hammy and needed Kevin's help as a runner, but saved him much sweat by simply hitting boundaries.  Great policy, Busby.  Both were out soon afterwards, leaving the last few runs to be ticked off by the tailenders, Willy Willsher pinging a beautiful four through midwicket to round the day off..  A great win by 4 wickets which puts us top of the table.  See www.twocounties.com

Earls Colne 181 - 6.  Cooney 51, Brooker 54.

Mistley 178 - 8.  Earls Colne 181 - 6.  Earls Colne 19 points Mistley 7 points