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30th April
Shenfield 2nd XI - 96 all out
Brentwood 2nd XI - 227-9
Brentwood won by 131 runs
Report by Paul Webb
Brentwood 2nd XI travelled to local rivals Shenfield on Saturday with a team what will likely be just three or four regular second team players by the time the league starts in two weeks time. Even so, captain Stuart Townson was confident that the team he travelled with would be sufficiently strong to overcome the challenge that Shenfield would mount.
Brentwood batted first in this 45 over game and opened with Shane Surujbally in usual dominant form and Barry Brooks providing a solid holding role. Surujbally battered a powerful 30 before attempting one shot too many and skying a catch to the wicket keeper. Brooks, who continued to struggle to score runs, was joined by overseas recruit Sanjay Ladkat who quickly realised that the lack of pace in the wicket was such that playing shots on the off side was fraught with danger. He therefore chose to favour the leg side, with alarming effectiveness. His innings included just one run scored on the off side as a flurry of boundaries took him to his maiden half century in his debut for the club until he was finally dismissed on 56.
It was then Townson's turn and he continued in much the same vein although his wagon-wheel would look somewhat less lop-sided. Townson also passed his 50 and went on to post a commanding captain's innings of 60 before he selflessly made way for the middle order. Brentwood welcomed back guest player Mike Davey for his first game for the club for several years but Davey's return was spoiled when he was dismissed without troubling the scorers. Davey is a highly regarded young man and a good cricketer and his return on a more permanent basis would prove to be very popular around the whole club. Wickets however then fell steadily as the remainder of the middle order failed to impose itself on some pretty average bowling and Brentwood had amassed 227 for 9 from their 45 overs, a total which looked some 40 or 50 runs short of what it looked like being, but still a total which Brentwood were confident of defending.
Brentwood showed how much they value the fruits of their youth system and opened the bowling with two under 18's in Deni Mistry and Owen Myers. Both struggled at times to maintain a consistent line and length but both should have promising seasons if they continue to improve as they did throughout this game alone. Mistry was unfortunate to go past the outside edge at times but Myers was rewarded for his efforts when he bowled the Shenfield opener in the 8th over. After completing his six over spell Myers was replaced by Paul Webb whose tidy eight over spell produced two wickets whilst at the other end Ash Patel replaced Mistry and collected a couple of wickets of his own. New recruit Dave Moisan earned himself a debut wicket when Alex Priddle took a sharp stumping before Ladkat continued his fine display and picked up three of the final wickets to complete a comprehensive victory by 131 runs.
Captain Townson can be pleased with his team's performance, particularly the impressive all round fielding display. Brentwood now have to travel to Basildon next week in their last friendly fixture before the start of the league season.
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7th May
Basildon & Pitsea 2nd XI - 144 all out
Brentwood 2nd XI - 145-4
Brentwood won by 6 wickets
Report by Paul Webb
Brentwood travelled to Basildon during Saturday's hailstorm unsure as to whether or not the weather would mean that it was a wasted trip. However, despite the deluge, the pitch was perfectly playable, albeit very green, and on winning the toss, Brentwood captain Stuart Townson elected to field first and inflict the green-top on the home team.
Brentwood's opening bowlers had mixed fortunes as Deni Mistry struggled to find any rhythm in stark contrast to Townson who was straight on the money. The opening batsmen however were intent on dispatching anything that was pitched up to them and rode their luck as Brentwood toiled away in search of the first wicket. Ash Patel replaced Mistry and made the initial breakthrough and Townson deservedly removed the other opener soon after. Paul Webb was then brought into the attack in place of the frugal Townson whose 9 overs earnt him figures of 1 for 25. Webb immediately found turn and bounce and was unlucky to begin with not to be rewarded with wickets. Patel meanwhile had been replaced by the off-spin of Sanjay Ladkat and it was his quicker ball that was to out-fox the Basildon batsmen. As the Basildon middle order was exposed Ladkat and Webb continued to pick up wickets in tandem and while Ladkat finished with excellent figures of 3 for 31 from his 9 overs, it was Webb who finished off the tail and ended with a deserved 4 for 40 from 11. After a reasonable start Basildon were dismissed for 144 in the 38th over, a total which never looked like being enough.
Brentwood's reply started with Paul Larner and Steve Taylor, both enjoying their first bat of the season, both showing their undoubted superiority and both looking comfortable against the Basildon attack. Larner was first to fall for 23 when he was bowled playing an uncharacteristically ugly shot across the line. Taylor soon followed, LBW for 22. Townson shuffled his pack this week as he wanted to give his other batsmen the opportunity to find some form ahead of the start of the league season. Dave Moisan and Dean Goddard steadied the Brentwood ship and batted well together, taking some excellent quick singles and pushing the score along with ease. Goddard was out for a masterful 28 which included a memorable straight six and it was Moisan who steered Brentwood to a well paced victory in the 37th over with an unbeaten 24. Basildon have only themselves to blame as they conceded a total of 42 extras.
Brentwood now look forward to the start of the league season as they travel to Fives & Heronians next week. With two confidence boosting wins in the last two weeks they will be confident of starting the campaign in winning ways.
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14th May
Brentwood 2nd XI - 173 all out
Fives & Heronians 2nd XI - 175-4
Fives won by 6 wickets
Report by Stuart Townson
Following two comfortable friendly victories against weak opposition Brentwood 2's found the adjustment to league cricket tough. Fives won the toss and asked Brentwood to bat first. Brentwood's top order got off to a steady start against some tight bowling, to the extent that they were 54-1 after 20 overs. However, as the opening bowlers tired both McKay and Boon were able to increase the scoring rate, although they both lost their wickets, for 28 and 29 respectively, in doing so. This brought together Stuart Townson, the in-form skipper, and Sanjay Ladkat, the overseas player. These two began to quicken the scoring rate and after 26 overs, with half their overs remaining Brentwood were sitting nicely at 98 for 3. Unfortunately Townson was bowled for 21 by a delivery that kept very low and Ladkat was LBW for 32. Once Lawless had followed Ladkat, also falling LBW, Brentwood were left teetering at 135 for 5 although they should still have had sufficient batting to reach the target of 200 in the remaining 20 overs.
However, Brentwood were further undermined by some injudicious stroke play and were reeling at 145 for 7 when the experienced Burgess joined the youthful Branson at the crease. The pair batted sensibly, pushing the score along to 165 before Burgess was bowled by the off spin of Harding. Branson took this as a signal to up the scoring rate and hit a couple of boundaries, but unfortunately the last two wickets were unable to support him, with both Reilly and Patel being removed for ducks. This left Branson stranded on 18 not out and Brentwood all out for 173 from a mere 44 overs. This was about 50 to 60 runs short of a par total and more crucially, by not batting their overs, allowed Fives extra time in which to chase the target.
To have any chance of winning Brentwood needed to take early wickets. Joe Fryd and Ladkat opened the bowling with long and testing spells and frequently troubled the opening batsman, but the lack of runs meant that the Fives batsmen could set their sights on survival being under no pressure to score runs quickly. Fryd bowled with real hostility and Neary, in particular, struggled to cope with his pace. Nevertheless, with no luck going the way of the bowlers, he was able to hang around for 16 overs before he finally nicked a ball from Ladkat. The same bowler removed the dangerous Braithwaite for 28 and when Fryd eventually found reward by bowling Palmer Fives were 79 for 3.
This brought Brentwood back into the game, although with both bowlers tiring, the free scoring Shah, began to plunder boundaries. Townson turned to his support bowling, but neither Patel nor Burgess were able to contain the free scoring Shah, who hit 55 before holing out to long on. This innings, along with a sensibly paced 37 not out from Swash took the game away form Brentwood and ensured Fives won comfortably with about 10 overs to spare.
Brentwood will be disappointed with their start to the league season, although this can be primarily down to poor batting with too many wickets being gifted by poor shot selection. The major lesson learned is that Brentwood are likely to have a bowling attack to trouble most teams, provided that the batsmen can score sufficient runs to put the opponents under pressure.
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21st May
South Woodford 2nd XI - 215-6
Brentwood 2nd XI - 212-7 declared
South Woodford won by 4 wickets
Report by Stuart Townson
Brentwood travelled to Highfield Road where, on winning the toss South Woodford invited Brentwood to bat. The wicket looked as if it would give considerable assistance to the bowlers, but despite this Steve Taylor and Chris Boon gave the visitors a solid start against the new ball, Taylor in particular despatching any loose deliveries with aplomb.
South Woodford soon changed the bowling around and brought on the experienced pair of Neicho and Ahmed, both of whom began to bowl a tight line and length, reducing the scoring rate in the process. Neicho found a route through Taylor's defence and clipped his off stump with the score on 47. Shane Surujbally was sent in first wicket down to see if his aggressive approach to batting could disturb the rhythm of the two bowlers. Unfortunately this experiment was unsuccessful as the only thing disturbed were Surujbally's stumps.
This brought together Nigel McKay and Boon in the partnership that proved pivotal to the innings. Both batsmen were watchful against the tight bowling, to the extent that the total had only moved onto 67-2 after 27 overs, when there was a half hour interruption for rain. This worked in the batting sides favour as the damp ball proved to be more difficult for the bowlers to control. The batsmen began to take full advantage of this and the scoring rate increased, until Boon was out for a superb 71, with the score on 160. McKay continued to play expansively until he also fell victim, for 73, to the pursuit for quick runs. A quick fire 16 from Sanjay Ladkat ensured that Brentwood were able to reach their initial target of 200 and secure maximum batting points before declaring the innings on 212-7.
South Woodford's reply began at a brisk pace as Ahmed began to knock the Brentwood opening attack all round the ground. The early removal of his opening partner, bowled by Dave Balroop, only served to increase the scoring rate as Butt also began to play shots all round the wicket. Nevertheless this approach was always likely to offer Brentwood opportunities and so it proved as Butt was well caught behind by James Reilly for 31 and Ahmed caught in the deep for 60, both wickets going to Ladkat. The Indian overseas star took three further wickets which left South Woodford struggling at 139-6.
At this point South Woodford appeared to be playing for the draw, but in the pursuit of further points Brentwood skipper Stuart Townson kept the game open with attacking fields and by rotating his bowling options. To their credit the home side took up the challenge once Paul Webb's tight leg-spin was removed from the attack and a quick fire 46 not out from their captain Bukhari and 36 not out from 16 year old Shirt, saw South Woodford to the target with 4 balls to spare.
Although this was a game that Brentwood were disappointed to lose, the strength of the South Woodford batting and the speed with which they score runs, will ensure that the visitors are not the only side to come away from Highfield Road having lost.
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28th May
Brentwood 2nd XI - 316-3
Ilford 2nd XI - 292-8
Match Drawn
Report by Paul Webb
On the first real hot day of the season to date, Brentwood captain Stuart Townson lost another toss but was not entirely disappointed to be asked to bat first.
With usual opening batsmen Chris Boon late on parade it was left to Nigel McKay to open the innings with Steve Taylor and the make-shift partnership took full advantage of some indifferent bowling and some uninterested fielding, McKay in particular batting with confidence and authority. McKay was first to his 50 in 56 balls as he dominated the early exchanges and fed off anything which strayed in line or length, of which there was plenty. Taylor soon joined the party as he saw more of the strike and his gentler technique was rewarded with a well crafted half century of his own. McKay meanwhile was powering his way towards his century as Boon could only look on. As the Ilford bowling and fielding became looser and looser, McKay bludgeoned his way beyond 100 and as Taylor attempted to up the rate even more he was dismissed for a fine 68 with the score on 202.
This brought Brentwood's 2nd XI overseas player Sanjay Ladkat to the crease with instruction to continue the onslaught. After being dropped on the long-on boundary off his first ball, he battered a typically quick-fire 34 from just 18 deliveries to further demoralise an already down-beat fielding effort. McKay continued to deposit the bowling to, and beyond, all corners of the OCG and he was eventually bowled for a stupendous 155 attempting one shot too many. Tony Jones and a chastened Boon took Brentwood towards the declaration point of 52 overs but as Boon vented his frustration and dispatched a huge 6 over the trees and onto the 3rd XI pitch Townson decided to declare the inning in the 50th over on 316 for 3. The ball was not found.
Brentwood knew that Ilford would be up for the chase as a lightning outfield would only help the Ilford style of batting. An early run out hindered their chances but to their credit they continued in positive fashion. Dave Balroop and Ladkat bowled tight opening spells but boundaries were difficult to protect and runs inevitably accumulated. Townson then turned to his spin options and Paul Webb embarked on a marathon spell of 15 overs and was unfortunate not to come away with more reward as several chances went begging. However once the second wicket partnership was broken by Townson's gentle seamers, wickets fell sufficiently regularly to prevent Ilford from ever maintaining the required run rate and eventually it was they who were happy to bat out time and settle for an honourable draw. Webb finished with 3 wickets and Townson 2.
Brentwood took 11 points from the match and Ilford 5, which was a fair reflection of who played the better cricket overall. Brentwood however need to improve their concentration in the field if they are to cash in on the foundations laid by their batsmen.
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4th June
Brentwood 2nd XI - 255-8 declared
Gidea Park & Romford 2nd XI - 258-8
Gidea Park & Romford won by 2 wickets
Report by Stuart Townson
With availability at the top of the club being patchy, the 2nd XI travelled the short distance to Gallows Corner with what looked to be an understrength side, however, the fighting performance belied this and they returned with a creditable 11 point haul.
Brentwood skipper Stuart Townson lost his fourth toss on the bounce and they found themselves being asked to bat first. Barry Brooks and Peter Morgan began laying the foundations for a large score, in the face of some hostile bowling from Sammons, before Brooks was unfortunately run out with the score on 40. Once Sammons had been removed from the attack the second string bowling looked less formidable and Morgan in particular began to score heavily.
At 73-3 Sanjay Ladkat joined Morgan at the crease and the scoring rate further increased as Ladkat's aggressive batting began to take a heavy toll. With the score on 137 Ladkat played one big shot too many and was spectacularly caught on the boundary for 34. This brought David Moisan, fresh from a couple of half centuries in the 3rd team to the wicket for his first 2nd XI innings. Initially Moisan looked to be struggling to adjust to the higher standard, but he slowly began to settle and provide excellent support to Morgan who was still going strong.
At 19 years of age Morgan was playing the innings his ability had always suggested he was capable of. He mixed sensible defence, good running between the wickets and plenty of boundaries taking full advantage of the opportunity to bat for a long time. He was unfortunate to be given out, caught behind, on 98 when he was within touching distance of his maiden century. However, this should only be a matter of time in coming. Morgan's innings was the rock around which Brentwood's batting functioned and it allowed Moisan to begin to unfurl his array of strokes.
Following Morgan's departure Moisan scored the bulk of the runs and when the declaration came, finished with a creditable 63 not out.
GPR's reply opened in a circumspect fashion and it looked initially as if they had settled for a draw. Ladkat bowled with menace and took the first wicket with the score on 17. This brought Patient to the wicket who began to punish anything wayward. Townson rotated his bowlers in order to unsettle the batsmen and he, Joe Surtees and Ash Patel all bowled short spells. However, Patient was remorseless in despatching anything off line or length and only the leg spin of Paul Webb seemed to keep him in check. With the score on 135 Webb eventually snared Patient, stumped for 82. Webb quickly picked up a second wicket and this put the onus on D'cruz who had batted a long time for not many runs to increase the rate. In trying to do so he also fell victim to Webb being caught and bowled for 40.
Webb took a fourth wicket with the score on 165, to leave Brentwood in a strong position and when Kevin Bradford trapped Toogood LBW to reduce GPR to 199-6 the visitors looked to be on top. However, they did not realise the depth of the GPR batting line up and even though a couple of further wickets fell, Filmalter batting at number 10 bludgeoned 22 in short time to effectively win the game. Filmalter gave three difficult chances, none of which were taken. Had one of these chances stuck, the outcome may well have been an away victory.
Whilst Brentwood can be pleased at taking 11 points from this game, they must pay heed to the fact that oppositions seem to be batting a long way down. They must also improve their fielding and take the chances that will inevitably be offered if they are to turn 11 point draws into 18 point wins.
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11th June
Brentwood 2nd XI - 307-3 declared
Hornchurch 2nd XI - 201-4
Match Drawn
Report by Stuart Townson
Brentwood entertained newly promoted Hornchurch at the Old County ground in a game that was once again saw bat dominate ball. Brentwood captain Stuart Townson's miserable luck with the toss continued as his Hornchurch counterpart called correctly and asked Brentwood to bat.
The overcast conditions allowed both of the opening bowlers to swing the ball, however Brentwood's opening pair of Steve Taylor and Peter Morgan were able to score freely as a series of poor deliveries came their way. The lightning fast outfield ensuring that both batsmen received full value for their shots. The brisk opening was also helped by a rash of extras which made up a third of the first 60 runs.
The introduction of Hornchurch's second string bowling did little to stem the flood of runs and Brentwood reached 160 in the 30th over before Peter Morgan surprisingly dragged one onto his stumps for 67. Although he was disappointed to miss out on a very big score it was especially pleasing to see 19 year old Morgan follow up last weeks' knock of 98 with another fluid half century.
Sanjay Ladkat entered the fray at number 3 and set about the bowling in his usual style, blasting 32 in 24 balls before one big shot too many saw him hole out to long-on. Taylor continued to accumulate runs until he was within touching distance of his century. Unfortunately he dragged his foot onto the crease when missing a delivery from Sealey and was stumped for 99. Taylor has been the most consistent batsman for the 2nd XI over the last season and it was unfortunate to see him miss out by the narrowest margin on a well deserved century.
With the score on 260, the batsman friendly conditions and the speed with which Hornchurch were bowling their overs meant that Brentwood needed more runs to put significant pressure on the Hornchurch batting. Kerry Branson added the bulk of these with a well compiled 47 not out, ably supported by Townson with an unbeaten 16. Brentwood declared on 307-3.
The Hornchurch skipper Sealey claimed at the toss that due to the way they played, they would not be blocking out for a draw at 7:30pm. This was true, as the Hornchurch middle order scored 7 runs an over for the last 14 overs of their innings. However this tactic was all the more baffling as they had batted for the draw at 4:50 when their innings commenced. Hornchurch had scored 101 in the first 36 overs in the most batting friendly conditions of the season.
These negative tactics ensured that it would be very difficult for the Brentwood bowlers to take wickets and despite bowling 50 overs back they were only able to remove 4 Hornchurch batsmen and an unsatisfactory game of cricket ended with neither side making much progress in their respective league positions.
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18th June
Brentwood 2nd XI - 119 all out
Saffron Walden 2nd XI - 123-4
Saffron Walden won by 6 wickets
Report by Stuart Townson
An abject batting performance ensured that a young and inexperienced Brentwood 2nd XI suffered their heaviest defeat of the season and are now firmly rooted to the bottom of the league. With the Saffron Walden skipper calling correctly his Brentwood counterpart Stuart Townson lost his sixth successive toss. Unfortunately this seemed to set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.
Brentwood were asked to bat and their innings got off to a steady start in the face of some tight opening bowling, Chris Boon and Peter Morgan put on 41 before the former was undone by an excellent delivery from Batchelor. From this point on wickets began to fall with an alarming regularity, mainly due to poor batting and Brentwood were all out for 119 off 38.5 overs. Luckily the last pair of Paul Webb and Kevin Bradford held out just long enough for the sandwiches to arrive otherwise Brentwood would have suffered the ignominy of having to field before tea!
With Townson having no option but to set an attacking field in an attempt to pick up as many wickets as possible, Brentwood toiled hard in the field but were unfortunately never going to bowl out the opposition on a blameless pitch. Kevin Bradford was the most successful bowler with 2-15 including an exceptional catch by Webb but Saffron Walden sealed the win with ease after a mere 25 overs.
If Brentwood are to rescue their season and make a serious attempt at avoiding relegation then availability at the top end of the club must improve and more application be shown in all aspects of the game.
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25th June
Brentwood 2nd XI - 254-9 declared
Wanstead 2nd XI - 211 all out
Brentwood won by 43 runs
Report by Stuart Townson
Brentwood 2nd XI travelled to Wanstead produced their best all round performance of the season and consequently left East London in a jubilant mood, having recorded their first victory of the season at the seventh attempt.
The omen's were not particularly positive at the beginning of the afternoon as their overseas player Ladkat (and his mangoes) would be late arriving having been delayed by the officers of Her Majesty's Customs department and Skipper Stuart Townson's abject misery with the toss continued. He lost for the seventh consecutive week. Brentwood were asked to bat in gloomy overcast conditions which looked ideal for bowling.
Things didn't look much brighter half an hour into the match as the usually reliable opening pair of Steve Taylor and Chris Boon were both back in the pavilion with only 18 on the board. Paul Larner and Kerry Branson set about a recovery and pushed the score up to 75 before Larner missed a straight one and was LBW for 29.
17 year old Branson continued to play in a mature fashion and was kept company by Nigel McKay until the score was on 148 when Branson swatted a full toss and was well caught at mid wicket for 61. This was Branson's first half century in the 2nd XI and amply showed the rapid progressing he is making. With Ladkat blasting 17 from 12 balls Townson joined McKay with the score on 174-5 in the 36th over. Whilst the scoring rate was more than adequate Brentwood's inability to keep wickets intact meant that they were in danger of throwing away their good position.
This threat loomed larger when McKay was caught for 43, four runs later but Townson and 16 year old Joe Surtees calmed the ship by taking the score to 198 before Surtees was bowled in the 45th over. This brought Dave Balroop to the crease and the pair took the score well over the 200 mark before Townson was bowled for a well constructed 26 in the pursuit of quick runs.
Balroop continued to play expansively and couldn't believe his luck when the nagging line and length of Maddin was replaced by Narcis in the 49th over. This bowling change produced 23 runs from Narcis' 2 overs and allowed Brentwood to post the challenging score of 254-9, with Balroop 35 not out when the declaration arrived.
With the wicket becoming slower and a little more uneven as the game progressed, this total looked as if it would be a stern test for the Wanstead batsmen and so it proved. Balroop and Ladkat opened the bowling and the former, in particular, bowled an accurate line and length. However, although not bowling with his usual nip, it was Ladkat who took the initial wicket, forcing the Wanstead Captain into a rash shot which was caught at mid off. Narcis and Quinlan consolidated and began to pick up the scoring rate, being particularly severe on anything too full. Townson bowled himself in order to take some of the pace of the ball, but was unable to make the second breakthrough, which came when Surtees bowled Narcis with his first ball to leave Wanstead 93-2.
Paul Webb took the next three wickets with some accurate leg spin to leave Wanstead on 136-5. Brentwood looked to be on top at this point but Ellison with some powerful straight hitting (especially off Webb), and Doug Richardson took the score onto 191 before the returning Balroop bowled Richardson. Ladkat returned to the attack, bowling off spin and quickly dismissed Maddin, Wanstead were now 196-7. Brentwood were once again favourites but Wanstead were always in the game provided Ellison was still at the crease and it took a superb catch from Steve Taylor, diving forward at mid wicket to send him on his way.
Balroop delivered the final two wickets in consecutive balls, with yorkers that the Wanstead tail was incapable of playing, to finish with figures of 3-42.
This win was based on performing the basics of cricket well. The batting was consistent throughout, the fielding was excellent and the bowlers were rewarded for bowling full and straight. This was particularly evident as seven of the ten Wanstead wickets were bowled. This has demonstrated the standard of cricket that the 2nd XI can play with decent availability and proper application. Providing both of these factors are maintained they can look forward to an enjoyable second half of the season.
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2nd July
Brentwood 2nd XI - 207 all out
Colchester & East Essex 2nd XI - 102-9
Match Drawn
Report by Stuart Townson
Following on from their first victory of the season, the previous week, Brentwood 2nd XI travelled to Castle Park in a confident mood. This confidence proved to be well placed as they comprehensively outplayed their opponents and were unlucky not to pick up a second consecutive win.
Unfortunately this recent change in fortune did not apply to Skipper Stuart Townson's ability to win a toss as he duly lost his eighth on the bounce and unsurprisingly, given the overhead cloud cover, Brentwood found themselves being asked to bat first. With normal opener Chris Boon paying an unscheduled visit to Colchester Castle, Paul Larner and Steve Taylor went in first against an opening attack which used the weather conditions to swing the ball prodigiously. Nevertheless the pair provided a solid start until Larner was bowled with the score on 41. Back from his tourist travels Boon came in first wicket down and played well for his 27 before needlessly running himself out.
Kerry Branson who has been in fine form all summer took the attack to the Colchester second string attack who, in view of his short stature, decided to bowl bouncers at him. He hooked with aplomb and proved the bowlers folly by racing to 20. Unfortunately he tried one big shot too many and was caught at Mid Off. Taylor continued to play in his own steady fashion and played the anchor role for his team. The swift demise of Nigel McKay brought Sanjay Ladkat to the wicket who despite the difficult conditions was determined to play in his usual attacking style, however, this was compromised when Taylor was caught behind with the score on 125 for a fine 51. With Townson also failing to preserve his wicket, Dave Balroop joined Ladkat at the crease with the score on 146. This proved the pivotal partnership of the game as Ladkat began to find his timing and riding his luck his scoring rate began to increase dramatically. The pair was parted with the score on 200, but Brentwood had secured maximum batting points. The final three wickets tumbled quickly, but Brentwood could be satisfied that 207 was a competitive score on a green pitch and with the clouds still heavy overhead.
Ladkat and Balroop opened Brentwood's attack and began tightly with few free hits on offer. Ladkat took the wickets of both openers to reduce Colchester to 38 for two. He also took the third with the help of a fine catch at second slip from Townson. 16 year old Joe Surtees got in on the act as he took three wickets, including that of the dangerous Fenner and when Ladkat took his fourth to an even better catch from Townson, Colchester were in serious danger at 74 for 7. Unfortunately it also meant that they had no chance of winning the game so they began to play for the draw. With no shots being played the last three wickets proved difficult to remove although Balroop picked one up and in a last gamble Townson turned to McKay, who also grabbed a wicket. These two wickets allowed Paul Webb to add another hat trick of catches to the one taken earlier in the innings by Townson. Although Brentwood could not force the victory, they came away with a decent haul of points, twelve to Colchester's four.
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9th July
Chelmsford 2nd XI - 170 all out
Brentwood 2nd XI - 171-2
Brentwood won by 8 wickets
Report by Paul Larner
Captain Stuart Townson finally won the toss at the 9th time of asking as Brentwood second team looked to continue their fine form at the OCG at home to 4th placed Chelmsford.
On winning the toss Brentwood found themselves in the odd position of actually bowling first on a slightly green wicket. The opening pair of Dave Balroop and Sanjay Ladkat responded with pin-point accurate bowling. The Chelmsford openers were restricted to just one run an over off of the first seven overs. Balroop made the initial breakthrough and ended his spell with 3-28.
With Kerry Branson (1-32) producing a spell as tight as his home nation New Zealand's rugby defence Brentwood continued to apply pressure.
Chelmsford middle order did rally with Bailey (33), Everard (33) and Band (29) all getting a start without taking it on. Brentwood were however excellent in the field again with captain Townson, who's only had one dropped catch since 1885, and opener Steve Taylor taking difficult chances.
Ladkat, a mango importer by day, had beaten the bat on several occasions in his first spell and was brought back to bowl off-spinners to offset Paul Webb's leg-spinners from the pavilion end. The combination worked well again as Webb took 4-41 with some well flighted deliveries and Ladkat finished with 2-36. Wicket-keeper Reilly, looking like a first team player again, finished the Chelmsford innings off with a sharp leg side stumping from a Webb quicker ball taking the wicket of Chidley after an enterprising 29.
Brentwood were asked to chase 170 to win and Christopher Boon and Steve Taylor produced a masterclass batting display. Boon drove the bowling to all parts of the OCG and Taylor produced some imperious pull shots in a stand of 127. Boon was finally out, stumped for 68 off of 80 balls. Taylor finished with 60 not out as Brentwood won by eight wickets with 20 overs to spare.
This was the third consecutive dominating performance from a revived second team who were adrift at the bottom a month ago. A win next week against table-toppers Fives, and Townson's thoughts of relegation can turn to dreams of title glory.
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16th July
Brentwood 2nd XI - 240-9 declared
Fives & Heronians - 243-5
Fives & Heronians won by 5 wickets
Report by Stuart Townson
Following strong performances in the previous three weeks, Brentwood entertained top of the table Fives full of confidence. Having won his first toss of the season the previous week, Brentwood skipper Stuart Townson was convinced that his luck had finally changed, unfortunately this proved not to be the case as his Fives counterpart called correctly and Brentwood found themselves being asked to bat.
David Smith, back from a life on the ocean and opening alongside the reliable Steve Taylor, started the innings in imperious form, but both fell in quick succession to leave Brentwood 35-2. Matt Westwood and Kerry Branson began to stabilise the innings and took the score up to 95 before Branson also fell, for 34. Having played one sumptuous, if unusual, boundary through the offside Sanjay Ladkat reverted to his normal modus operandi and began peppering the leg side boundary. However, he took one risk too many and was well caught at deep backward square leg for 32. Brentwood were now 145-4.
Despite the quick scoring run rate Brentwood were in danger of being bowled out early as there were still 20 overs to go, this became even more of a problem as Westwood and Dave Moisan, disagreed over the merits of a quick single and Westwood found himself half way down the track when the bails were removed by the Fives' keeper. Westwood, fresh from the 1st XI was looking as if he was about to play the innings that took his side to a large total, but this indiscretion saw him back in the pavilion for 42 and Brentwood wobbling on 154-5. Moisan and Townson began another repair job, which was cut short when Townson was caught and bowled with the score on 184. Moisan continued to bat in his own idiosyncratic style and was supported by Joe Surtees and James Reilly who between them ensured that Brentwood's innings could be declared on 240-9, a competitive if not especially large total. Moisan finished on 39.
Townson chose to keep the old ball and open his attack with spin, a blend of Paul Webb's experience and 13 year old Harry Jones's youthful zest and raw talent. It was Jones that drew first blood forcing Foley to miscue to point and Fives were three for one wicket. Braithwaite and Foulds began to slowly rebuild the innings with the two bowlers keeping a tight rein on the scoring. However, the longer the pair stayed at the crease, the more ominous it began to look for Brentwood although they had a touch of good fortune, with the score on 74 when Braithwaite forgetting that he had a runner, decided to take run and was run out by half a pitch.
The Fives' batsmen continued to bat with a mixture of caution and aggression and the next wicket did not fall until the score was approaching 150. Despite taking some stick Branson made the breakthrough removing Foulds for 51. Surtees bowled well after a couple of poor overs but the next breakthrough was only achieved once Jones was reintroduced and he picked up two further wickets to finish with a creditable 3-77 from 18 overs. The emergence of young Jones and also 14 year old Tim Barbone, who has recently had success in the 1st XI, will ensure that all the more experienced spinners keep looking over their shoulders and have no room for complacency as they strive to hold onto their places!!
Fives' victory was ultimately quite comfortable, but Brentwood can console themselves that they pushed the top of the table side all the way and walked away with a 10 point haul. The major lesson for Brentwood to learn whilst batting is the preservation of wickets. The regular loss of wickets throughout their innings ensured that new batsman were constantly having to play themselves in and start rebuilding. The statistic that speaks volumes is that nine Brentwood batsmen made double figure scores, but not one went on to complete a half century, this left the innings about 30 to 40 runs short of a potentially winning total.
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23rd July
Brentwood 2nd XI - 206 all out
South Woodford 2nd XI - 209-5
South Woodford won by 5 wickets
Report by Stuart Townson
Brentwood 2nd XI gave themselves a mountain to climb in this match after a poor batting performance saw them struggle to 206 all out in 45 overs. On a bouncy wicket and a lightning fast outfield, a score of 250 plus might have been competitive but 206 proved wholly inadequate.
Brentwood were asked to bat after skipper Stuart Townson lost his tenth toss out of eleven and were pleasantly surprised with the pace and bounce in the wicket, which despite the recent hot weather had an unusual green tinge to it. Paul Larner and Steve Taylor looked to be in little trouble until Larner was unable to control some extra bounce and spliced the ball to gully with the score on 33. Brentwood lost two more wickets in reaching 72 when Taylor was run out for 35. Sanjay Ladkat played in his usual belligerent style but disappointingly, and not for the first time this season, was unable to convert a score in the low thirties into a half century.
Dave Moisan and Townson both fell to leave Brentwood teetering at 129-6 but this brought together Dave Balroop and 16 year-old Joe Surtees who built the most crucial partnership in the innings. Surtees was eventually dismissed for 30 with the score on 201 and this unfortunately precipitated a collapse as the last three wickets all fell with the score on 206. Balroop was out for 39.
Although this total looked to be low for the conditions Brentwood would be in with a chance if they could take early wickets. South Woodford are renowned for their aggressive approach to batting and Townson elected to take the pace off the ball and opened the attack with spin. Unfortunately a combination of Woodford's aggression and some woeful bowling ensured the batting side got off to a flyer (16 runs came from the first four balls of the innings) and Townson was forced to take the new ball pretty swiftly.
Although South Woodford raced to 61 from the first seven overs, the new ball bowling of Balroop (2-31) and Ladkat (3-61) took five wickets and Woodford were reduced to 116-5. At this point Brentwood believed that an unlikely victory was on the cards, but Browne and Sheikh added some discipline to the flamboyant strokeplay that had preceded them and they slowly took the game away from the home side. Townson rotated the bowling in an attempt to produce the breakthrough, but to no avail. Apart from a caught and bowled opportunity, missed by 13 year old Harry Jones, no chances were forthcoming.
This is the second consecutive week that Brentwood have underperformed with the bat. In this instance four batsman reached 30 but none were able to convert their start into something more substantial. This must be rectified if they are going to give their bowlers the opportunity to bowl sides out.
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6th August
Brentwood 2nd XI - 239-8 declared
Gidea Park & Romford 2nd XI - 188-8
Match Drawn
Report by Stuart Townson
Following the previous week's poor performance, Brentwood 2nd XI bounced back with a creditable draw versus Gidea Park & Romford. Brentwood skipper Stuart Townson's appalling luck with the toss continued (now 11 losses out of 13) as his opposite number called correctly and asked Brentwood to bat. This was a day when Townson wanted to chase.
Nevertheless the Brentwood openers Dave Smith and Peter Morgan began well enough and reached 33 before Smith failed to get over a short delivery, cutting the ball straight to point. The Brentwood batting began to follow a similar pattern to the previous weeks as batsmen failed to capitalize on good starts getting themselves out once set. Smith making 20, Morgan fell for 30 and Graham Walker for 18. With Paul Larner's poor run of form continuing, being dismissed for 2, Brentwood were tottering at 85-4.
David Moisan returning to the team from one of his frequent weekends away helped steady the ship, by playing the anchor role to Sanjay Ladkat, who was playing in his usual aggressive style. Ladkat had scored 42 and looked set for a big score before one extravagant shot too many saw him bowled by the former Brentwood spinner Richard Wall. With the score now on 142, Moisan continued to play a sensible knock and he was joined by 17 year old Nick Childs who was showing great maturity in his most accomplished 2nd team innings. Between them they advanced the score past the 200 mark before both batsmen fell attempting to up the run rate towards the end of the innings. Moisan fell for 40, Childs for 24.
Brentwood declared on 239-8 after brief cameos from Dave Balroop, Townson and James Reilly ensured a competitive total was posted.
GPR began their replay in a sedate fashion against the high quality seam bowling of Ladkat and Balroop. Patient lived up to his name as he played within his limits as the run rate began to increase. However, Brentwood struggled to take wickets once Trayler had been well caught in the slips off Ladkat for 4. Balroop removed Churchill but Tarr began to consolidate once again with Patient.
Townson brought on the experienced Walker who bowled tidily and tempted Tarr into an indiscretion that saw him hole out to cover. This brought Filmalter to the wicket who launched an immediate assault on the bowling, hitting his second ball over the trees and onto the back pitch for 6. Whilst he and Patient were batting together GPR might have pulled off an unlikely win but both Ladkat and Walker held their nerve with the latter claiming both scalps, Patient for 51 and Filmalter for a quick fire 38.
This double strike effectively ended any chance of a GPR victory and despite the odd blow from Wall, Brentwood pursued victory. Wall fell LBW to Walker for 15 and Ladkat picked up two more well deserved wickets, but Brentwood were unable to prise out the last couple of wickets, who settled for the draw. Given GPR's league position it was a surprise that the last couple of batsmen made little effort to reach 200 and secure the extra bonus point, but the lack of shots meant taking the last couple of wickets was always going to be difficult. Ladkat who bowled with pace and hostility throughout the GPR innings finished with 3-85 and Walker 4-61.
With both Chelmsford and Hornchurch winning, this puts further pressure on Brentwood over the last five games of the season. Another couple of wins should see them safe from the threat of relegation, but these are proving elusive at the moment.
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13th August
Brentwood 2nd XI - 257-6 declared
Hornchurch 2nd XI - 261-6
Hornchurch won by 4 wickets
Report by Stuart Townson
Brentwood 2nd XI lost ground in the battle to avoid relegation as they were unable to prevent Hornchurch from chasing down the considerable total, completing a four wicket victory.
With rain forecast and Brentwood's strength lying in their batting line up, skipper Stuart Townson had no hesitation in batting on winning the toss and he was delighted to see his side post a large total. This total owed most to 81 from Paul Larner, 48 from Nigel McKay and 36 from Kerry Branson. It was also encouraging to see 16 year old Neil Wicks score 27 not out on his 2nd XI debut.
Hornchurch needed to score quickly straight from the off if they were going to win the game and this they were able to do. Wells was sent in as a pinch-hitter and he rode his luck with a mixture of clean hitting and lucky edges, but his quick fore 26 got Hornchurch off to the start they needed. Peter Bainbridge removed Wells and this was quickly followed by the departure of Roberts, well caught by Steve Taylor. This proved to be the pivotal wicket as it brought Shallow to the crease. Shallow immediately took the attack to Brentwood and he was soon into his stride, being particularly severe through the leg side. Townson rotated his bowlers but none were really able to reduce the scoring rate until the skipper himself caught and bowled Shallow for 94.
This innings proved the difference between the sides as the speed in which the runs were scored meant Hornchurch were never really under pressure. McKay took 3 wickets in a quick flurry towards the end of the innings but his efforts were insufficient to prevent a Hornchurch victory.
As a consequence Hornchurch hauled themselves two points clear of Brentwood who slipped to eighth position, eight points above the drop zone. This relegation dog fight looks to be going all the away to the end of the season.
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20th August
Brentwood 2nd XI - 145 all out
Saffron Walden 2nd XI - 146-5
Saffron Walden won by 4 wickets
Report by Stuart Townson
With what seemed like half the club either on holiday or at the V festival, Brentwood 2nd XI made the trip up the M11 with a much changed side. With Saffron Walden sitting pretty at the top of the league Brentwood skipper Stuart Townson elected to bat first on winning the toss, aiming to secure maximum batting points before putting the Saffron Walden under pressure in the 2nd innings.
Unfortunately things did not go to plan. Saffron Walden had an experienced and decidedly useful pair of opening bowlers, Odedra and McKinlay, who have both played a far higher standard than Essex league 2nd XI. Brentwood were soon struggling at 7 for 2 but Townson and Nigel McKay began to repair some of the damage. When Townson departed for 15 with the score on 37, McKay was joined by 16 year old Nobby Surtees. This pair took the score onto 85, the partnership of 48 being the highest of the innings, before young Surtees was caught behind of the returning McKinlay for 24.
Following this dismissal Brentwood's wickets fell at regular intervals with only McKay providing any resistance until he was eventually caught on the boundary for a well made 71. Brentwood were bowled out for 145 in the 49th over.
Brentwood needed to take early wickets if they were to have any chance of an unlikely victory, but only Sanjay Ladkat looked likely to make the breakthrough. Bowling with pace and extracting vicious lift from an uneven wicket he proved to be unplayable for most of the Walden batsmen. This unfortunately also meant he wasn't able to find the edge of the bat. Ladkat bowled Pettini with a yorker and Paul Webb picked up a second wicket, but as long as Odedra continued to bat, using all his experience gained on the first class circuit in India, Walden were never going to be troubled. Townson picked up a couple of late wickets and Ladkat removed Odedra for 75 which allowed Brentwood to pick up a couple more bowling points which might just prove critical come the end of the season.
With Chelmsford losing to Gidea Park and Romford, Brentwood are still in eighth place and with sides likely to be considerably stronger for the final three weeks they can be optimistic that securing Premier League survival is still in their own hands.
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3rd September
Colchester 2nd XI - 154 all out
Brentwood 2nd XI - 155-1
Brentwood won by 9 wickets
Report by Stuart Townson
After the previous week's near miss against title chasing Wanstead, Brentwood went into their game against Colchester in a confident fashion. On winning the toss Brentwood skipper Stuart Townson chose to bowl, this was vindicated by the fine work of the bowlers who dismissed Colchester for 154 on a blameless pitch.
Joe Fryd and Dave Barbone opened the bowling and exerted tight pressure on the Colchester openers. Both bowlers picked up a wicket as Colchester stumbled to 6 for 2 in the sixth over. Fenner and Dias began to slowly repair the damage until Fryd picked up the latter, his second wicket, with the score on 35.
Fenner began to open his shoulders and struck a number of boundaries (including several false shots) and the run rate began to rise, however, the introduction of Tim Barbone's off spin paid immediate dividend as he trapped Fenner LBW for 44. With the score on 87-4 Colchester could still have posted a large total, however, the experienced Graham Walker, bowling in tandem with young Barbone, put the brakes on the scoring and both picked up wickets. Barbone picked up Perrin for 32 and Walker bowled Austin for 9, to leave Colchester rocking on 106-6.
The two slow bowlers kept a tight reign on the scoring and although Ranawat played a stubborn knock of 20 Colchester were only able to add a further 48 runs in the last 15 overs and were bowled out for 154 in the 52nd over. Walker finished with figures of 3-34 and Barbone with 3-30.
The Brentwood batsmen were determined not to spoil the good work of their bowlers and the two openers Chris Boon and Steve Taylor began in circumspect fashion. However, once they both settled they began to take the attack to the Colchester bowling and Brentwood were soon well on their way to victory. The Colchester captain rotated his bowlers, but could not find one who could take a wicket or dry up the runs. Boon in particular took heavy toll on some wayward bowling and soon passed his half century. Taylor played the supporting knock until he was bowled for 30 by Dias, with the score on 84. Boon continued in imperious fashion and it is a measure of how well he played that he was able to complete his century and finish 102 not out, despite the winning score being a mere 155. Nigel McKay kept Boon company for the remainder of the innings with a cameo 18 not out.
This victory has ensured that Brentwood move above Chelmsford into eighth place and go into the last game of the season at Chelmer Park knowing that the team that loses are likely to be playing Division 1 cricket next season.
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