Chelmsford Cricket Club

Report for 22 April

Chelmsford Cricket Club opened up their 2006 season with three good wins. Matt Thurston’s century and Imran Akhtar’s 7 wickets were the outstanding performances.

The first team totally dominated against Leigh, dismissing their opponents for just 50 and then agreeing to continue to 200 for batting practice.

The second team also had an early finish. Stratford Wesleyan made a good start but three cheap wickets on an impressive debut for Chandrakant turned things in Chelmsford’s favour. Umrish Pandya then terrorised the lower order to pick up a five-wicket haul as Wesleyan subsided for 96.

The chase was extremely pragmatic, with few risks taken. Sensible batting from Jack Moss (41*) and Nick Bailey (23*) who shared an unbroken partnership of 70 saw Chelmsford to an 8 wicket win.

Club legends Martin Daniels and Barry Clayden returned to the fold, playing for the thirds against East Hanningfield. Both were in decent form, contributing 46 and an unbeaten 32 respectively as Chelmsford compiled 198 for three. Darren Thompson top scored, making an undefeated 51.

East Hanningfield were quickly in trouble, with Imran Akhtar wreaking havoc. Constable held up the victory charge, making 54 but they eventually succumbed for 129. Akhtar finished up with excellent figures of seven for 40.

Unfortunately Sunday’s fixture against Walthamstow fell victim to the weather.

Report

1st Team

Friendly

Played at Chelmer park

Leigh 50 all out

Chelmsford 200-4

(Chelmsford won by 10 wickets)

On the warmest day of the year so far, Chelmsford ran hot. A good quality all round bowling display and some dominating batting particularly from Matt Thurston give Chelmsford real confidence.

James Arnold and Simon Evans quickly had Leigh reeling. Arnold (3-8) was very impressive whilst Evans (2-10) caused plenty of problems. The runs never really flowed and wickets fell fairly constantly. Eddie Lawrence claimed two wickets and Chris Meer, Matt Poole and Ian Hare one each.

Chris Prowting and Matt Thurston made short work of the chase. The captains agreed to continue for practice. Prowting fell for 38 allowing Paul Jones an opportunity in the middle. He too looked in decent touch but Thurston was in total command.

After completing his hundred Thurston left the field clear to give some other players a chance. They decided that slogging practice was in order and Leigh were able to pick up some wickets. At 200 for four, a halt was called, Jones closing 43 not out.

Other scores

2nd Team

Stratford Wesleyan 96 all out

Chelmsford 97-2

(Chelmsford won by 8 wickets)

3rd Team

Chelmsford 198-3

East Hanningfield 129 all out

(Chelmsford won by 69 runs)