Earls Colne produced a great team performance to win their first game of the season against Tendring. Hayns won the toss and elected to bat on a good looking wicket which helped both batsman and bowler. Colne lost their first wicket when Si Boulton was caught off a leading edge at mid wicket – this brought Les Abbie (Mr Chairman) to the wicket who hit an entertaining 24 before being clean bowled. Ben Mason took his opportunity of batting higher up the order with some very good straight bat stroke play which included six fours he was rewarded with his first 50 when the skipper decided to retire him to give everyone an opportunity to bat. Steve Willsher was his usual reliable self before being bowled for 28. Nick Oakley scored 17 with a big six over mid wicket before being trapped lbw (plum!) (never! – Oakers)
Our 2 young colts were both out early but their futures are looking bright and playing at this level will only improve their game. New debutant Mark Harris looked liked he had always played with an impressive 33 not out and has a lot of cricketing talent. Hayns hit the shot of the day with his new Warsop with a straight drive back over the bowlers head but was soon out playing like KP to ensure the BBQ was cooked. At the end of the innings Colne were 186 all out.
Toby Phillips took a knock to the nose during fielding warm up. Young colt Matthew Hall was brought on as sub fielder but had to go home at 5pm sharp as he had strict instructions not to be late for tea. Colne bowled good line and length Oakers removed one of the openers early clean bowled and Mason soon removed his partner to have Tendring 10 for 2 after 3 overs. The 2nd wicket partnership of Bouden and Ruttledge decided to attack Ben Mason but the skipper stood his ground and Mason soon had Bouden caught at long on by the impressive Mark Harris who later took another catch at mid on. Nick Oakley reacted sharply at first slip to remove Ruttledge. Tendring were now 48 for 4 – Hayns turned to spin and brought Mr Chairman (Les Abbie) into the attack. Mr Chairman turned in remarkable figures of 4 overs,2 maidens ,3 wickets for 4 runs! almost Swann like!! With Tendring 60 for 7 Hayns turned to youth with Taylor Nicholson bowling 3overs for 10 runs – well bowled Taylor!
Now have ECCC found the new Dale Steyn in Ashley Phillips? Reluctant to bowl Ashley came in off 6 paces and extracted pace and bounce that no other player has. We definitely need to coach Ashley – he has immense talent well bowled young man!
Ben Mason removed another 2 wickets to bring his tally to 5 overs, 1 maiden, 4 for 21. Now Mark Harris proved his all round ability by taking the last wicket when Tendring skipper Robinson was caught behind by a sharp bit of work by Willy behind the stumps.
Colne had won by 95 runs but the real winner was ECCC the ever improving Mason with his first 50, new debutant Mark Harris proving what immense all round ability he has, Ashley Phillip one to watch and Mr Chairman ripping through the middle order. Well done all!!
Tony Hayns
Great report, Tony!