Earls Colne versus Wivenhoe.  Away.  May 1st 2010

Earls Colne were able to field their strongest team of the season so far and expectations were high with the return of GRICE and LEE. Sadly the late withdrawal of OAKERS and other absences were probably crucial in a match against a Wivenhoe team which we should be capable of beating.

Electing to field, Colne were boosted by the early retirement of the always dangerous KELLY with a ruptured tendon, however it was the other opener FOWLER (15 years old!!) who looked full of class on his way to a well crafted 81. Some uncharacteristic fielding errors and dropped catches were costly as Wivenhoe managed a reasonable total of 233. GIBSON was the pick of the bowlers taking 3 wickets for 52 off his 15 overs including a brilliant diving caught and bowled to dismiss FOWLER. SMITH bowled well, took two wickets and was unlucky to go for 77 off his 15 overs. TEAGUE provided useful support and GRICE took two sharp slip catches, the only other point of note was the run out of PULFORD by the excellent fielding of MASON.

A total of 233 was achievable, however to be fair Colne never looked like getting anywhere near the 200 mark. The Wivenhoe bowling attack will probably be one of the weakest we will face all season and despite reasonable starts from a number of our top 7, none of the Colne batsman could stick around long enough to emulate what FOWLER did for the visitors. The only glimmer of hope was a highly entertaining partnership between BALLS and LEE who put on 59 and never looked in danger. However, sadly the revival was ended when attempting a slow single, BALLS was left stranded and was run out for 24. The clean hitting of these two athletes at the peak of physical fitness provided brief hope to the team and showed that form is temporary etc etc.

Apart from some lusty blows from WILLEY there is not much else to say other than BRADSHAWS boundary was instrumental in Colne limping to 125 and therefore 5 points.

Well done Rob for sorting the ground out, being on tea duty, captaining the team and bowling 15 overs in one spell.