Slow and slower – a story of two wickets

On Sunday 15th April saw the opening match of the Earls Colne Casuals against Wakes Colne and Chappel.

On a very very slow and low wicket and ridiculously slow outfield Earls Colne lost the toss and were invited to bat. The opening partnership of Ben Mason and Adam Page failed to score George Unwin and Chris Abrehart added 31 before the partnerhip was broken. Simon Boulton came to the wicket and played well for his 18 runs with an exquisite shot through mid wicket for 4 . Wakes Colne bowled extremely well on a wicket that helped all bowlers, Harry Callaghan defended vigorously with Earls Colne Colt Taylor Nicholson making his debut. Taylor played well with a straight bat and was unlucky to be run out by an excellent piece of fielding. This brought Olly Callaghan to the wicket and father and son batted together for 2 overs before Olly was caught behind the wicket. Harry Callaghan was caught for 13 trying to get Earls Colne over the 100 mark. The last wicket to fall was Tony Hayns who was clean bowled for one trying to hit a sharp offbreak over the top of cover.  24 extras was Earls Colne’s top scorer! Ben Mason opened the bowling for Colne and soon found his usual excellent line and length and removed one of the Wakes Colne openers clean bowled The next wicket to fall was taken by new Earls Colne debutant David Abrehart who bowled excellent line and length with some assistance off the wicket and took two quick wickets. Tony Hayns brought Simon Boulton into the attack Boulton soon found the edge of the bat and after a fumble by our wicket keepter Hayns took the catch at first slip. At this stage Wakes Colne were 24 for 4. A couple of hail storms made the wicket even lower and slower. Earls Colne fielded very well with with George Unwin making some impressive diving stops at cover (wouldn`t want to wash his trousers tonight) special praise to be mentioned for Alex Morrison making his debut for Earls Colne who bowled with maturity way beyond his years.Oliver Callaghan also bowled well 2 overs for 9 runs- but in the end Wakes Colne Captain Tristran Moxley and Maythams` partnership was enough to win the match for Wakes Colne and Chappel with Moxley scoring 50 not out ensuring them of the 95 runs needed and a 6 wicket win. The game was played in excellent spirit with friendly banter between the two teams. We look forward to our next match on May 20th at West Mersea.