After a fantastic run chase against Kelvedon, Colne turned up at Boxteds not knowing what to expect. Jack strolled out and lost the toss and we were made to field on a very flat and dry wicket. With Mo stuck in traffic the Sleeman brothers opened the bowling. The Boxted openers played aggressive but sensible cricket and made it through to the first drinks break with no wicket falling. One making 89 and the other 49 before getting out. After some good running from the oppo batsmen and frustrating fielding from ourselves, plus an injury to the younger Sleeman brother Boxted made it to tea with Earls Colne needing 224 to win.
Quietly optimistic after last week’s run chase, Colne’s opening batsman walked out to the crease. But 4 overs later the optimism had been dampened as the captains golden duck and Sam’s short stay at the crease meant Colne were 10 for 2 wickets. Daryl Sleeman continued scoring freely allowing Pat Kerry to get his eye back in from his unbeaten century the previous week. Daryl departed on 46 after once again middling a ball straight to the fielder. Pat continued his good batting form but regularly lost partners the other end before being bowled round his legs for 38. Russ Dawes enjoyed some time out in the middle and started to regain his batting form before being caught off the edge to be the last wicket for 40 runs. Colne had managed 168 in reply.
Special mentions go to Luke Booty for his bowling and drastically improved batting and Harry Porcher for hitting his first boundary in men’s cricket !