Jones on form but Chelmsford falter
11:14am Friday 29th July 2011
CRICKET: It was a very mixed weekend for Chelmsford but there were disappointing results for the key sides. The Saturday and Sunday firsts lost as did the Saturday seconds.
For the firsts it was a familiar story, losing to fellow strugglers Loughton, who were carried along by one very big score. Haris Mahmood made a superb impression on debut with a half century and skipper Paul Jones had led the way with 93 as Chelmsford posted a useful 260. Usman Jan’s unbeaten 155 carried Loughton to a four-wicket victory.
An unbeaten 100 from Robert McKay was the key factor in Fives & Heronians win over the second team. Chelmsford battled hard in some tough early conditions to post 197 for nine. Gary Chidley (65) provided the backbone of the innings whilst Kilpatrick picked up five for 53. Two early strikes from Olly Devenish proved a false dawn and Fives cruised to the target.
The most exciting game of the day was at Gidea Park where Neal Abhyankar proved a point with six for 57 as Chelmsford won by 1 run. Paul Keaney (48), Navin Mahendren (41) and Jack Moss (33) made useful contributions to Chelmsford’s 171 for nine, whilst Gray and Vyas claimed three wickets each. Brett (47) and Montgomery (35) put the home side in a strong position but Abhyankar kept chipping away at the wickets and it was Anthony Holland (3-32) who claimed the final wicket.
A very dispiriting game of cricket between Chelmsford fourths and Ilford thirds ended in a stalemate. The encouraging performances of youngsters Ben Clifford and Bradley Green were the high points, with Keith Goodman also showing all his wiles in an excellent spell.
One man’s brilliant century was the difference in the fifth team’s game too but this time it was Chelmsford player, Martin Daniels. Jarrett (69*) helped set Benfleet up with a useful score of 243, Alex Shepherd taking three wickets on his return from injury. Bull (4-47) charged through the top order as most of the batsman failed to apply themselves . At 172 for nine, Benfleet must have thought the game was in the bag but Martin found a partner who stayed with him, his son Ben. Martin finished 148 not out and Chelmsford had a remarkable victory.
Harry Green was the star of the show with six for 6 including a hat-trick as the sixth team thrashed West Mersea. Experienced hands, Abraham Kurian (54*) and Bob Shortman guided Chelmsford to 178 for four. Green’s spell saw West Mersea toppled for 74.
It was two losses from two games on Sunday with opponents East Essex and Broxbourne proving too strong. The first team were heavily beaten and will need to win their last two games to avoid relegation. Having lost all five games they have actually played this season, that looks an unlikely scenario.
The margin of 42 runs in the second team match was closer but the match was never really in the balance. Dawson (62) provided the impetus in the home side’s 204 for seven. Miles Clark (46) played nicely in Chelmsford’s 162 for nine.
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