Colne travelled to Kelvedon on 6th July, aiming to kick off a productive month against some of the weaker teams in the league. With Jack Holdgate back in the side and making an immediate impact (to the outside structure of the clubhouse) the second surprise of the day was the hosts’ secondary pitch with it’s Lords-like slope making it tricky for fielders at one end to see their team-mates at the other!
Kelvedon batted first and for a short while looked like they might replicate the reverse fixture opening partnership, but Paul Bromley broke through with a couple of lbw’s and eventually finished with figures of 4-47 from his 13 overs. No other partnership really developed for the hosts, thanks to astute use of the bowlers with Jon Dawes taking his first wicket for the club, Ian Doyle & Luke Booty both picking up one each, and the ever-canny Russell Dawes taking 2-9 from his 4 overs.
So chasing 143 to win, Colne set off at the usual pace with Daryl Sleeman and Pat Kerry picking off the bad balls and making it to 70 without loss before Pat attempted one drive too many to Kelvedon’s most threatening bowler, Jeremy Manning, and was bowled for 44. Daryl followed soon after, brilliantly caught for 39. With Tom Bosworth, Jack Holdgate, and Gavin Sleeman all departing relatively cheaply, nerves were starting to show, especially as Manning still had 4 overs to bowl. However, Ian Doyle and Russ Dawes applied themselves with utmost patience to pick off the remaining 32 runs required and a much-needed 5-wicket win.