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3rd June
Leigh-on-Sea 2nd XI - 165 all out
Brentwood 2nd XI - 167-2
Brentwood won by 8 wickets
Report by Chris Boon
After two weeks of rain, the sun returned to the O.C.G and enabled Brentwood 2nd eleven to record their first victory of the season.
Brentwood captain Chris Boon won the toss and despite a flat, straw-coloured wicket, invited the visitors from Leigh-on-Sea to bat.
Opening bowlers Joe Fryd and Dave Balroop justified their skipper's faith in them with a miserly burst with the new ball, which saw Fryd strike the first blow, shattering V Hewitt's stumps with the score on 3 in the 5th over. Continued pressure from both Brentwood seamers led to the run-out of Leigh captain Mat Wallace.
Tim Barbone replaced Balroop but initially struggled to find a consistent length, as did Fryd's replacement Paul Webb, despite removing T Hewitt in his first over for 29. The Brentwood spin department gradually squeezed the opposition middle order, forcing several desperate shots, unfortunately, the home side's catching and out-fielding squandered a total of 7 catches and 2 missed run-outs, enabling Leigh to finish on 165 all out with S.E Elliot top scoring with 40 and Tim Barbone bowling 18 overs 3-52 and Paul Webb 16 overs 4-66.
The Brentwood reply got off to a poor start when Attwood bowled Taylor for 1 and Morgan was caught via a top edge off the same bowler for 6 to leave Brentwood teetering at 23-2. This brought Phil Ayres to the crease making his league debut and he and skipper Chris Boon set about repairing the innings. Ayres quickly showed what a great acquisition he has been by dominating the Leigh bowlers with a series of powerful drives and he reached his 50 of just 42 balls. Boon followed him to 50, and despite several changes of bowling, nothing could suppress Brentwood's march to victory, reaching their target off only 29 overs, Chris Boon finishing not-out 69 and Phil Ayres 84 not-out.
Despite the comfortable nature of this win, Brentwood's out-fielding will have to improve dramatically if they are to make a swift return to the top division.
Brentwood 2nd eleven entertain Chingford next week.
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10th June
Brentwood 2nd XI - 240-8
Chingford 2nd XI - 233-4
Match Drawn
Report by Paul Larner
Brentwood captain Chris Boon lost the toss and to the delight of his team mates, who then proceeded to the bar to watch the football, was asked to bat by his Chingford counter-part on Saturday afternoon at the Old County Ground.
As Boon and fellow opener Steve Taylor drove the ball to the boundary on regular occasions their team-mates were enjoying England's good start to the World Cup.
Boon looking in good touch and on 28 was adjudged LBW by umpire Mike Hunt and his opening stand of 70 with Taylor was ended. As Taylor eased past 50 Brentwood were looking well set for a big score, however he was out for 54 and Peter Morgan followed soon after run out, looking for a quick single.
With a possible collapse looming Richard Walford was joined by Paul Larner at the crease with Brentwood on 117-3 and 19 overs left. Chingford, like England, started to wilt in the heat as Larner (31) and Walford (38) took advantage of some loose bowling. Both found the boundary regularly and the run rate picked up. However both, like the Paraguayans, produced loose shots and when Paul Degg joined them back in the pavilion it was left to wicket keeper James Reilly, but most prominently Dave Balroop, to see Brentwood past the 200 mark. Both then opened up with Reilly finishing with a run a ball 16 and Balroop with a crucial 40 not out as Brentwood posted an imposing 240.
Chingford were as cautious as an Italian back four as they started chasing the 241 required to win but were 50 without loss after 14 overs of seam from Degg and Balroop. Brentwood's own Theo Walcott, 15 year old Essex starlet Harry Jones, eventually found the first wicket with a flighted off spin delivery caught by Reilly down the leg side. Continued tight bowling from Brentwood combined with much improved fielding, even former captain Stuart Townson was seen throwing himself around like Gordon Banks, left Chingford requiring 140 from the final 20 overs. When Paul Webb's flighted leg spin eventually forced another mistake, Richard Walford taking the catch at long on, Brentwood harboured hopes of an unlikely victory.
However, James Runciman (107no) who had opened the innings was still there driving the ball especially well through the 'V' and passed 50 after Reilly missed a very sharp "international" standard stumping chance. The opener continued his excellent batting and gained support from Lyon (53). Chingford were then eyeing a victory which, at one stage looked as unlikely as Trinidad and Tobago gaining a point.
However, Balroop was reintroduced along with Degg and as Chingford took chances with their running between the wickets Larner and Balroop combined to create a run out in the penultimate over. Degg then bowled the final over in which Chingford required 17 to win and immediately uprooted the stumps which effectively ended Chingford's outside hopes.
Chingford finished on 7 short of their target with only 4 wickets down and may rue not taking enough chances early in their innings. Captain Boon said, "I was delighted with the improved fielding display we produced and our batting and bowling is looking good. We now have to line up some wins in order to regain our place in the premier division." Brentwood's second team are away at Harlow next week and will need to pick up 18 points in their promotion push.
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17th June
Brentwood 2nd XI - 154-3
Harlow 2nd XI - 152 all out
Brentwood won by 7 wickets
Report by Paul Larner
Brentwood second team gained their second win in three games thanks to some beguiling bowling from the spin twins Harry Jones and Paul Webb. After Chris Boon had won the toss in perfect sunshine, but on a green wicket, Harlow were asked to bat.
Brentwood were soon into their stride with Paul Degg and Jo Surtees bowling very tightly early on. The break-through looked inevitable but didn't come until the 9th over when 'Nobby' Surtees trapped the Harlow opener in front. Both bowlers were unfortunate not to make more of a helpful wicket and Harlow made it past 50 for the loss of one wicket in the 17th over.
Boon, had by this stage already introduced spin at one end, and after a short tight spell from Tom Woods (1-23) both spinners were in full flow. Harry Jones mesmerised the batsmen with his off spin forcing a succession of Harlow players into errors and he was soon into the wickets. Webb, not to be outdone by the young pretender left the batsmen perplexed and both, who were assisted by a useful slope, started to run through the Harlow middle order.
The dynamic duo took the game by the scruff of the neck and despite some indifferent catching, Steve Taylor and Webb apart, they took Harlow from 70-1 to 151 all out. Webb picked up 3-37 but was outshone by Jones' 5-49 four of which he clean bowled. The two with consummate ease placed Brentwood in a winning position.
Brentwood had an epoch to knock off the runs but started poorly. In their first 10 overs Harlow's opening bowlers produced a far better standard of cricket than their batsmen had engendered in 47 overs. Taylor played a loose shot and was well caught a point. Richard Walford soon followed as he decided, rather unwisely and against the advice of his captain, to leave a delivery which swung in at him. Brentwood were looking in a little trouble at 22-2.
Peter Morgan joined Boon at the crease and battled through a difficult first 30 minutes. Boon, was looking fluent at the other end, and started to play some customary drives to ease the pressure. Morgan's enterprise eventually found some fluency as well. Boon passed 50 for the second time in three games with the score looking healthier at 74-2. Harlow then decided to take the pressure off by bowling what could most kindly be described as loose full tosses, which were very much to the liking of Morgan and he hammered them to the boundary. However, when Harlow started bowling them over first slip even Morgan, looking somewhat confused, couldn't play them.
He soon passed 50 and the partnership passed 100 as Brentwood looked like winning by 7 wickets. However, with 2 to win Boon, somewhat superciliously, decided to play the ugliest shot of the day, and was stumped to a ball which so flighted it barely made it to the wicket keeper. However, the farcical way the skipper got out should not over-shadow his excellent innings of 74 although some, including the next man in Paul Larner, may disagree. Morgan (62no) then restored order with a sublime flick through mid wicket for four and the game was won.
Brentwood's promotion push is now into full flow as they have picked up 45 points in three games and Boon was delighted with the performance, "With Jones and Webb combining to produce some spell binding spin and the batsmen invariably scoring heavily my attitude could definitely be described as sanguine for the season."
Brentwood, at home next week, will hope for another 18 points.
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24th June
Brentwood 2nd XI - 275-5
Gidea Park & Romford 2nd XI - 227-6
Match Drawn
Report by Chris Boon
Brentwood 2nd XI gained 10 points in an entertaining draw against promotion rivals Gidea Park & Romford on Saturday, with GPR picking up 6 points.
Upon losing the toss Brentwood were inevitably asked to make first use of a good-looking pitch, and as soon became apparent, a lightning fast out-field.
Brentwood openers Boon and Taylor started in positive mood with Taylor in particular playing some exquisite back-foot punches through the covers. Their partnership passed the 50 mark, then Boon was trapped in front by the accurate medium-pace of Winmill.
Taylor followed Boon back to the shed, caught in the covers for 30, bringing together Richard Walford and Peter Morgan. The partnership started watchfully against the evergreen Winmill and second change bowler Gordon, who gave no width and little pace for the batsmen to work. Gradually Brentwood regained the initiative as Walford and Morgan worked the bowling into the gaps and ran positively putting on 78 for the third wicket until Walford played-on for an excellent 63.
Townson and Surtees perished in the pursuit of quick runs but in Balroop, Morgan found the ideal partner. Balroop timed the ball perfectly from the start, scoring 36 not out through a mixture of delicate cuts and savage drives. Mogan responded in similar fashion, hoisting a large 6 into the car park where there were "no fielders."
Brentwood declared on 275-5, with Peter Morgan unbeaten on 77, his second unbeaten half century in a row.
Brentwood skipper Chris Boon elected to start the GPR reply by using the old ball, propelled by the skilful fingers of 14 year old Harry Jones, and the supple wrist of leg spinner Paul Webb. However, Jones struggled to find a decent length, and the GPR openers Baker and Kullar punished anything short or over-pitched. Degg and Balroop took the new ball with immediate success, Balroop bowling Kullar with a superb in-swinging Yorker.
Despite this setback, GPR continued to make good progress, enjoying the pace from the Brentwood seamers and at drinks GPR were 135-1 and looking favourites. With 20 overs remaining, Boon reverted to his spin twin twins, Jones and Webb, who repaid the faith by bowling a much tighter line and length. Jones struck first when Patient could no longer resist and was well caught by Walford for 33, then great awareness from keeper Alex Priddle accounted for opener Baker for a well made 73, and gave Jones his second wicket.
To their credit GPR continued to press for victory, and were still in with a shout until the bizarre dismissal of Evans. Evans advanced down the pitch but was defeated in the flight by the guile of Jones, the ball hit the pads of Evans and rebounded towards the bowler. As Jones attempted to gather the ball the batsmen ran and kicked the ball towards cover and was rightly given out obstructing the field. GPR skipper Brant refused to throw in the towel, but when he was well caught in the deep by Balroop for a quick-fire 22 to give Jones his third wicket, and Webb's fine bowling was rewarded with the wicket of Lock, GPR then settled for a draw, finishing on 227-6.
This was a fine all-round performance from Brentwood, who despite losing ground to run away leaders Hainault and Clayhall, remain in the hunt for promotion.
Chris Boon had nothing but praise for his side, "We paced our innings to perfection and our bowling and ground fielding was exceptional, if we can maintain that level of cricket we will be knocking on the door back to the premier league."
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1st July
Brentwood 2nd XI - 213-6
Ardleigh Green 2nd XI - 209 all out
Brentwood won by 4 wickets
Report by Paul Larner
Brentwood's unbeaten run now stretched back seven games when Ardleigh Green visited on a baking hot Saturday at the Old County Ground. Captain Chris Boon won the toss and in the searing heat, on the most perfect batting track, with a lightening fast out-field he did what any self-respecting Captain would do, he fielded.
It was fielding that continued to be Brentwood's problem although early on it all looked plain sailing. Some superb opening spells from David Balroop (3-36) and Paul Degg (3-48) had helped reduce the opposition to 105-8. This in combination with tight spin bowling meant that it looked like an early finish and a comfortable win.
Kiani and Gibbon batting at 10 and 9 respectively had other ideas. After Webb had bowled a tight spell of 8 overs 1 wicket for 11 Boon decided that the game needed livening up and promptly took him off for being too miserly. The game, including the scoring rate did exactly that as firstly Kiani and then Gibbon smashed the ball to all parts of the ground. All of a sudden the two had put on 85 runs and Green passed 200 just after Kiani finally went for 49 to an excellent delivery from Balroop. Gibbon was the last man out also for 49 and Green finished on 209.
The good news was that this was a par score but Brentwood knew they should've been chasing considerably less. The chase started badly and West, who had taken three catches behind the stumps, went for none. Richard Walford and Steve Taylor's partnership faired little better and Walford went courtesy of an excellent delivery from Kiani. However, Taylor and the in form Peter Morgan started pushing the ball around nicely. With the two taking the score past 70 Brentwood's chase was looking good, however Morgan (36) got an absolutely terrible 'shooter' and was clean bowled.
This brought captain Boon to the crease. He and Taylor took an instant liking to the new spin bowler and promptly dispatched him several times to the boundary. Taylor preferring extra cover and Boon deep mid wicket. Their 113 run partnership took Brentwood to within sight of victory before Balroop and Taylor (91no) saw them home. This was despite the excellent effort of Kiani 3-53.
Captain Boon was delighted with the 18 points, "Steve Taylor's innings was obviously outstanding but our bowling was also excellent, our two seamers in combination with our two spinners and Webb give us great variety. Although we should've closed the game out earlier it was another well earned victory in our promotion quest."
The second team face Upminster at home next week hoping to continue their unbeaten run.
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8th July
Brentwood 2nd XI - 284-6
Upminster 2nd XI - 135-7
Match Drawn
Report by Paul Larner
Chris Boon's gamble on youth paid off as Brentwood's unbeaten run continued on Saturday with another excellent performance at the Old County Ground. When Upminster won the toss the chances of victory were immediately slim as bowling a side out on the perfect batting track is difficult. However, as Brentwood's young guns proved, scoring runs can be very easy.
Chris Boon, without the injured Steve Taylor and Peter Morgan, wagered on youth and picked two openers with a combined age of less then his (36). The gamble paid off as Nick Childs (72) and Arran West produced the perfect combination. Childs drove and slogged the ball around the ground and West (98) cut and reversed swept. The two put on over 130 for the first wicket. If West would've found a little more elevation on another pull shot he would have reached a chanceless and deserved hundred.
Richard Walford, who was run out looking for a second, Ben Cocklin, former first team wicket keeper, and Chris Boon added some useful cameos. But it was Paul Larner and Dave Balroop who saw Brentwood to the end off their 52 overs and a very good score of 284-6.
Brentwood then produced a fielding and bowling display to match their batting. The catching, for a change, was remarkable. Firstly Larner took two catches off of Paul Degg then Paul Webb replacing Larner in the gully took a very sharp chance again off of, the fired up Degg. Again Degg was producing an outstanding first spell which dispelled any chance of an unlikely Upminster victory. Dave Balroop backed up his opening partner with some tight bowling, including a wicket caught by West behind the stumps.
Harry, the dog, Jones was again superb and also got into the wickets as Upminster stumbled their way to 80-6. Brentwood were only able to pick up one more wicket as Upminster's tail saw them past 125 for a solitary batting point.
Skipper Boon was delighted with his team's display, "The two openers set the standard and everyone matched it. It was always going to be difficult to bowl a side out on that track but we picked up 11 points but definitely deserved 20."
Next week Brentwood face a top of the table clash against the only team to have beaten them this year Hainault and Clayhall.
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15th July
Brentwood 2nd XI - 285-9
Hainault & Clayhall 2nd XI - 216-6
Match Drawn
Report by Paul Larner
Brentwood's second team, in second place, were away this weekend at the only team to have beaten them this year, top of the league Hainault and Clayhall. The team was severely depleted from the previous week with only opener Nick Childs playing out of the top five. With Captain Chris Boon sunning it Steve Taylor stepped up and followed in Boon's style of captaincy by losing the toss.
Brentwood were asked to bat first and Taylor made his second bad decision of the day by leaving the first ball of the match which promptly removed his off stump. After his captain's innings Childs and Peter Morgan restored normality and put on an impressive 117 for the second wicket. Morgan finally went after chopping one onto his stumps. Childs had already picked up his second fifty in two weeks and was dispatching the bowling to all parts in his customary style. After he was out for an impressive 85 Brentwood were 156-5.
Dave 'the finisher' Balroop then did what he does best, he finished the last 15 overs with aplomb. He eased his way to 55 not out without ever looking in any trouble. He firstly put on a partnership of 57 with Andy Taker (33) and then he and Paul Degg added another 50 partnership. Degg scored 27 from just 12 balls including 3 sixes. Brentwood finished on 285-9, yet another impressive score and their second time over 280 in two weeks.
Hainault needed a good start, it never happened. Both openers were back in the shed thanks to fine bowling from Degg and Balroop and soon the home team were 30-3. Brentwood looked like getting a vital victory in their promotion push. Degg was bowling with great fluency. However, Hainault found it necessary to berate Degg (3-72) from the sidelines, Degg though, constantly on course knew he'd pick up another wicket. Sure enough the foolish comments from the sideline just fired him up more as he tired and he removed another off stump.
In Naqui however, Brentwood were finding some resistance. He batted superbly well in a chanceless 86 not out which saw Hainault to safety and four batting points. French, trying without actually timing much found some form to help him and hit Harry Jones (2-73) for two big sixes. However, he then became Jones' second victim caught with great composure by Balroop on the boundary.
The game tamely finished with the home team 70 runs off of the target and Brentwood fours wickets from maximum points. The second team will be heartened by the fact that despite missing four batsmen from the previous week they made an unassailable score. Stand in skipper was happy with most aspects of the game, "It was pleasing to see the batsmen in the runs again and I'll remember not to leave those straight ones! Equally pleasing was our fielding display which again was top notch."
Hainault and Clayhall remain a long way ahead in the league table and the fight is really on for the second team to join them in the Premier League next year. Brentwood have now gone nine games without defeat but with eight games to go they know that they must pick up wins quickly.
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22nd July
Westcliff-on-Sea 2nd XI - 193 all out
Brentwood 2nd XI - 194-3
Brentwood won by 7 wickets
Report by Chris Boon
Brentwood's 2nd XI achieved a convincing win against Westcliff on Saturday, maintaining their promotion push, due largely to a superb opening partnership between teenage sensations Aaron West and Nick Childs.
After losing the toss yet again, Brentwood skipper Chris Boon was delighted at being asked to bowl first, despite the humidity, and the customary road-like O.C.G pitch.
Westcliff-on-Sea's openers struggled against the Brentwood new ball pairing of Degg and Balroop, and Tredgold survived two sharp slip chances before he was first out, well caught by Walford off the bowling of Degg with the score on 13.
After this breakthrough, the Brentwood bowlers lost a little control, and runs began to flow a little too quickly, so the home skipper turned to spin in the 10th over with the score at 53-1. Paul Webb struck in his first over when Havens chipped a catch to Boon at mid-wicket, and with 14-year-old off-spinner Harry Jones finding prodigious turn, coupled with great control, Brentwood regained the initiative, and Webb picked up his second wicket, bowling Geddes for 29, leaving W-o-S on 88-3.
Jones continued to keep pressure on the batsmen, and was rewarded with the wicket of Mcelwee, via a juggled catch by Webb at mid-on. Webb, despite his early wickets, struggled in the mounting breeze to land the ball in the right areas, and the visiting batsmen took advantage. Boon turned to the occasional seam of West, who provided his captain with 6 tidy overs, but Westcliff, at 180-4 with 12 overs remaining, were set to post a challenging total.
The re-introduction of Balroop and Degg put paid to those thoughts, as they ripped through the Westcliff middle and lower order, bowling out the visitors for 193, Balroop finishing with 4-33 from 12 overs, and S Weller top scorer with 56.
Brentwood had two hours and 20 overs to achieve victory, and were given the best of starts by 14 year old Aaron West and 18 year old Nick Childs. Childs all aggressive style, the perfect foil for the timing and placement of West. Childs was the first to 50, with the total on 75.
The W-o-S attack had no answers, and West soon reached his half-century.
The two young openers were now both racing towards centuries before Childs was bowled for an excellent 81, his third consecutive score over 70. West followed shortly after for a chanceless 79 and, despite the bizarre dismissal of Boon, Walford and Taker saw Brentwood comfortably home.
The 18 points keeps Brentwood in second place, next week they entertain promotion rivals Wickford at the O.C.G.
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29th July
Wickford 2nd XI - 223-8
Brentwood 2nd XI - 224-4
Brentwood won by 6 wickets
Report by Kevin Bradford
A convincing six wicket win for Brentwood helped them consolidate second place in the league and maintain their promotion hopes.
Fourteen-year-old Aaron West was the star of the show as his unbeaten century safely guided the home team to a much deserved victory.
Brentwood captain Chris Boon carried out his customary task of losing the toss but was delighted to be asked to field first on a surface that leant itself to run chasing.
Selection dilemmas earlier in the week meant Ian Moore and Kevin Bradford were the choice pair to open the bowling on a warm and sunny afternoon. They both settled quickly into a good rhythm and restricted the run rate, despite there being a quick outfield and short boundary on one side.
Effervescent Moore made the first break-through, trapping the Wickford opener LBW.
Great bowling by Bradford forced the second wicket, with the batsman edging the ball behind to West at first slip. Diving backwards, the youngster managed superbly to flick the ball up and pirouette round to take the catch.
Bradford then removed danger man Lee Deller for 10 thanks to another sharp catch, this time from wicketkeeper James Reilly.
When Harry Jones bowled the fifth wicket, Wickford were well and truly reeling on the brand new boundary ropes, having scored only 102.
Fellow spinner Paul Webb was doing well to turn the ball too much, but he wasn't able to press home the advantage.
Some middle order resistance improved the score but no batsman was able to surpass 50. A tight spell from multi-talented West saw him claim two wickets and ensure the opposition didn't build an imposing total.
Jones continued to shoulder a huge workload and the young off-spinner finished with tidy figures of two for 68 off 19.
A late wicket for Moore helped restrict Wickford to 223-8 from their 52 overs, a score that was well short of being competitive.
Brentwood's in-form opening pair of West and Nick Childs strode confidently to the crease and set about the run chase with the skill and flare that is fast becoming their trademark.
They were matching each other shot for shot and brought up another 50 partnership before Childs was the first to be out for 21 in just the 12th over, with 58 on the board.
After their rapid start, Brentwood could afford not to take risks, although Richard Walford was needlessly run out for just 11.
Peter Morgan joined the now settled West at the crease and the pair put on a century partnership for the third wicket, taking the score onto 172. Morgan's departure for a well-made 43 was quickly followed by the wicket of Boon, who fell to a brilliant diving catch at cover.
At the other end, West was staying composed and despite a slowing of runs through the nervous nineties, the youngster completed a sublime hundred to rapturous applause from the boundary.
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5th August
Leigh-on-Sea 2nd XI - 244-7
Brentwood 2nd XI - 245-5
Brentwood won by 5 wickets
Report by Kevin Bradford
Brentwood's promotion drive maintained its momentum as they beat a rejuvenated Leigh-on-Sea by five wickets.
Captain Chris Boon won the toss and elected to field on a pitch that would make the streets of Lebanon look smooth. Early on it looked as though Brentwood could slump to their first defeat of the season, with some good batting and a succession of dropped catches putting them in trouble.
Opening bowlers Paul Degg and Kevin Bradford failed to make an early break though, and despite bowling well, offered enough opportunities for Leigh's opening batsmen to score freely, if not convincingly.
Having fluked shots into either gaps or slippery fingers, Leigh's luck ran out as they lost their first wicket with 103 on the board. It was spinner Harry Jones who took the wicket, forcing the batsman to loop a simple catch to Degg.
Despite the success, Brentwood had to dig deep to ensure they wouldn't be facing a massive total.
The recalled Tim Barbone claimed the second wicket when wicketkeeper James Reilly pulled off a nice stumping. The pair then repeated the trick to remove the dangerous opener Stuart Elliott for 89.
The spin duo of Barbone and Jones continued to bowl well, but despite not letting the score race along, they couldn't take quick wickets and the batsmen were able to look settled. It took the return of Degg to break the partnership, which was worth 73, with the score on 230. It signalled the beginning of a crucial collapse that meant Leigh couldn't kick-on during the last few overs as they would have wanted.
A run out by Boon sandwiched between another wicket for both Degg and Barbone meant Leigh could only muster 244-7 from their 52 overs.
Brentwood's reply started with a stutter, when Steve Taylor was dropped off the second ball of the innings and then Nick Childs was bowled with the score on only 14. The early dismissal brought Richard Walford to the crease and things could have been much worse for Brentwood if he had been out to a simple caught and bowled chance.
As it was, Taylor and Walford built a partnership of 139 to bring their team up to 153, meaning less than 100 was required off the last 20 overs. But Taylor was dismissed for 84 and he was quickly followed by Walford for 58. A further two wickets fell in quick succession which meant Brentwood were far from secure for the win.
But a skilful innings from Peter Morgan (48no) and a blazing 27no from Degg saw Brentwood home with more than five overs remaining. They will be hoping to build on their run of success when they entertain Romford and Gidea Park next Saturday.
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19th August
Ardleigh Green 2nd XI - 173 all out
Brentwood 2nd XI - 157 all out
Ardleigh Green won by 16 runs
Report by Paul Larner
Brentwood's 14 match unbeaten run came to an abrupt end on Saturday at Central Park against Ardleigh Green seconds. After losing the toss Green batted first on a bowler's paradise of a wicket.
With Paul Degg's usual opening partner Dave Balroop running late due to his baking duties Arran West was asked to open the bowling and duly picked up the first wicket. The wicket however was not to Degg's liking as it had a distinct lack of pace, his obvious exasperation with the pitch was clear for all to see. Balroop's late arrival, and a short break from the field when he did turn up, didn't seem to affect him as he clean bowled the next four Green batsmen conceding just seven runs for four wickets from his first four overs. His 'innies' caused the home side a substantial amount of problems as they seemed unable to lay a bat on him or just chose not to try to.
However, Gibbon (41no) dug in and other batsmen, notably Brown (42) played shots around him. Ardleigh Green recovered from 50-5 to post a final score of 173ao thanks largely to an excellent partnership between those two. After Balroop's big swinging spell finished it was slow bowler Paul Webb who cleaned up the tail. Cleverly mixing up line and length with slow leg side full tosses, one of which was caught very cleanly by Larner on the boundary and one from which James Reilly took a smart stumping from, Webb picked up 4-22.
Brentwood's innings started cautiously as Green, after a strange first over, bowled exceptionally well. Oakley bowled 9 maidens from his first 10 overs. Brentwood's batting for the first time this season failed and they slipped from 24-0 to 37-5. At this point Balroop came to the crease and gradually under his guidance they eased their way back into the game. When the 20 over mark was reached Brentwood needed 70 with four wickets left. However, crucially Balroop was out caught behind straight after the drinks break. Degg took the fight to the opposition though. He made the batsmen, who struggled with the bounce of the pitch, look foolish as he hit five sixes in his 61.
When Degg ran Reilly out Green required two wickets and Brentwood 32 runs. After Essex spin starlet Harry Jones was out Webb nudged and nurdled the ball around. Degg continued in his own inimitable style and an unlikely victory looked possible. But it wasn't to be as Degg was adjudged stumped off of the bowling of Oakley (17.3-11-16-3) and Brentwood lost by 16 runs.
Captain Boon was obviously disappointed "It's the first time this year our batting has let us down, but we're still second and it's vital we bounce back next week. On the positives bowling and fielding was again very good."
Next week Brentwood face Chingford away who are in the group of teams right behind them in a very tight scrap for second place.
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26th August
Chingford 2nd XI - 77 all out
Brentwood 2nd XI - 80-7
Brentwood won by 3 wickets
Report by Paul Larner
Brentwood's second team were led to victory by baker Dave Balroop after an outstanding spell of bowling. This was after Chris Boon had lost the toss and Chingford decided to bat on a green wicket in a vital game in the promotion race between second and third.
Balroop rose to the occasion and took two wickets in his first over. Bowling in tandem with Paul Degg, who was bowling tightly without much luck at the other end, he used his loaf to get another wicket in his second over.
Balroop was backed up by with some excellent fielding and catching and some interesting decision making from a doughnut umpire. Sandwiched between Balroop's 7 wickets Degg managed to pick up one with a slower delivery that clean bowled the batsmen as he tried to cream it over cover.
Balroop and Degg had reduced Chingford to 30-7. Thorne and Runciman then put on a partnership of 46 to frustrate Brentwood but 'dibbily dobberly' Paul Webb picked up Runciman and finished the innings off in the same over as Chingford were dismissed for just 77 runs. Although he'd picked up a couple of jammy wickets, Balroop had bowled a bakers dozen 13 overs picking up 7 wickets for 14 runs with James Reilly's five catches behind the stumps being the icing on the cake.
Brentwood's batsmen seemed to have too many baps at tea as their run chase started badly and they found themselves 26-4 with only Essex's young starlet Aaron West showing resistance. He and Paul Larner took the score to 50 before West who top scored with 27 played on. When Larner was out for 19 Degg smashed the ball to the boundary to take Brentwood to a stuttering but vitally important win. Offord bowled 14 overs and picked up 6-45 to make the game interesting but Chingford had been undone by Balroop's brilliant spell.
In a day when only 157 runs were scored for 17 wickets captain Boon was delighted to scrape home, "It was a vitally needed win after our blip last week, but full credit to Dave today; he rolled them over and the batsmen did just enough. We like to do it the hard way and I think if we keep leaving it that close I'm going to see the first signs of madness. Hopefully we can win with a bit more comfort at home to Harlow next week or I'm likely to see Suggs strolling up my driveway!"
If Brentwood win next week they could potentially be promoted, at the first attempt, back to the Premier League.
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2nd September
Brentwood 2nd XI - 94-1
Harlow 2nd XI - 92 all out
Brentwood won by 9 wickets
Report by Paul Larner
Chris Boon's Brentwood second team bounced back to the premier division at the first attempt after a superb all round display at the OCG against Harlow on Saturday.
After winning the toss Brentwood fielded first and like the previous two games were quickly into the wickets. It was youngster Arran Wurzel West who took the first wicket of Odedra caught brilliantly, first ball, in the gulley by Boon.
Brentwood's own baker Dave Balroop was then introduced into the game and worked his magic again. Bowling in tandem with Paul Degg they reduced the opposition to 40-8. Only a tail end resistance took the score to 92 all out. Balroop was only one wicket away from his second consecutive five wicket haul with 4-30 and Degg found his early season form again taking 4-32. The excellent bowling was backed up by some outstanding fielding which has been a feature of Brentwood's play in the run in to the end of the season. Boon finished the Harlow innings off with a catch in the deep off of Jones. This was supported by two from Paul Larner, one from Tim Barbone and one from James Reilly.
Degg's wickets were particularly pleasing as he advanced to the season's leading wicket taker. Brentwood's success towards the end of the season has undoubtedly been down to their bowling with Degg, Balroop, Webb and Jones taking nearly 90 wickets between them.
Brentwood's batting which has struggled in the last two weeks produced a display to match their bowling. Despite the early loss of West, second ball, vice captain Steve Taylor and Richard Walford saw them comfortably home. Walford, who is available to bowl next week, was quickly onto anything short and Taylor drove imperiously. It was the vice captain, who has been a great assistance to Boon this season particularly before the games, who passed fifty as Brentwood won in time to watch England thrash Andorra.
Brentwood were then waiting on news from Gidea Park Vs Upminster, third and fourth in the table respectively, to see if they could be promoted a week early. When umpire Roy French phoned from GPR the news confirmed that Brentwood were over 20 points ahead of both teams, who drew, and will therefore be promoted.
Boon was obviously delighted with the news, "It was an outstanding performance and dominant displays like that demonstrates that we deserve our place in the premier league. All credit to the bowlers especially in the last few games where we have conceded just 370 taking 30 wickets, not a bad average! Our advance up the league has been facilitated by improved fielding particularly our catching."
Brentwood travel to Upminster next week hoping for a good end to the season and an early finish to enable an early arrival at Boon's second home on the Ongar Road, the captain's champagne will remain on ice until then.
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