Earls Colne versus Halstead.  Saturday 15 August 2009.  Away, at Star Stile.

Earls Colne travelled the short distance to Halstead to play the team currently sitting third in the League, six places above the visitors. On paper this was a game Halstead would surely have expected to win but sadly for them the game is played on grass and from ball one the Colne boys were well up for this particular game.

In glorious sunshine Halstead batted first on a decent track but SMITH and GIBSON restricted the openers with some tight bowling early on. The frustration showed as ROSE spooned one to gully where PARISH snared the chance off the bowling of GIBSON. This brought PONT to the crease and he immediately set about the bowling with some lusty blows. However, just as the first change bowlers were beginning to panic, SMITHS weak arm was exploited by DICKER who superbly ran out PONT with a direct hit to the non-strikers end as PONT attempted to shuffle through for a second run. The youngster WELLS continued to bat well despite the gifts presented to him by some of the Colne fielders. He completed a well crafted 50 before some smart work again by DICKER had him stumped off the bowling of PARISH for 51.

When STEEL came into bat with CHINNERY, Colne knew they had to strike early as the Halstead skipper can be fairly destructive when set. Sadly, he hung around and dispatched the ball long and hard racing to 50 in quick time. Although PARISH clean bowled CHINNERY, HUME came in and also played some big shots for a quick-fire 22. However, BROOKERS decision to bring on GIBSON and SMITH was wise as both picked up a wicket, WILLIAMS catching both of the big hitters in the deep. OAKLEY bowled a fine last over taking two wickets and a direct hit run out which restricted the host’s score to 229. This was a useful score and the type of target which Colne have failed to challenge throughout the season, but at the same time a score they new they could achieve.

When WILSHER was given out LBW in the first over, Halstead must have considered themselves strong favourites for maximum points. However, a good partnership of 46 between DICKER and WILLIAMS pushed the scoreboard along before the former was caught top edging to ROSE. GIBSON arrived at the crease but left a short while later, bowled SPARKES for 5. WILLIAMS batted well but when he was out for 29, BROOKER, who looked to have found his form, gloved one behind for 18 and PILGRIM was bowled for 2, Earls Colne looked in all sorts of familiar trouble at 125 for 6.

However, what came next can only be described as resplendent, magnificent and almost certainly pulchritudinous batting performances from BALLS and OAKLEY. BALLS led the charge with some scintillating shots all over the park. OAKERS provided some excellent support but it was BALLS who stole the show and batted brilliantly before being caught at square leg for 83. With 24 runs still required for victory and SMITH hiding in the toilet, PARISH arrived at the crease confident OAKLEY would see the team home. Despite some good bowling, OAKLEY continued to hit the ball around and with PONT doing his best to sledge his team to victory, it was PARISH who smashed, thumped, some may even say sliced the ball to the boundary for 4 and a well deserved victory for Earls Colne.

Halstead 229 for 9 (8 points)

Earls Colne 230 for 7 (19 points)