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10th May
Brentwood 3rd XI v Upminster 3rd XI
Brentwood 3rd XI - 125 all out
Upminster 3rd XI - 194-7
Upminster won by 69 runs
Brentwood started the new season with high hopes. However, the high hopes were dashed by a spineless display against a weakened Upminster side.
Brentwood won the toss and elected to field. Young opening bowlers Iain Smith and Ewan McCullum started well enough, with Smith making the important breakthrough bowling the dangerous Steve Woods for 18, and then two balls later claiming another wicket. Unfortunately Brentwood were unable to maintain the pressure, due to a lacklustre fielding performance.
Upminster eventually declared at 194 from their 52 overs with the experienced Nigel O'Dell making 55 and Danny Tyler with an impressive 39 not out.
Brentwood's reply faltered as David Smith and Peter Morgan fell cheaply to the bowling of Tyler. Barry Brooks and Ken Lingwood made a recovery, until with the partnership at 50 Lingwood's patience snapped and was bowled by the accurate persistence of Pete Williams. Brooks was soon to follow but the required run rate had by this time climbed. Brentwood's middle order disappointingly collapsed and with it went the game as Upminster wrapped up the tail with 2 overs to spare.
Brentwood travel to newly promoted West Essex this coming Saturday and a change is required in attitude and quality if Brentwood wish to realise their ambitions.
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24th May
Brentwood 3rd XI v Loughton 3rd XI
Loughton - 141 all out
Brentwood - 142 for 2 wickets
Brentwood won by 8 wickets
Brentwood won the toss and invited the visitors to bat first. Kevin Bradford and Peter Bainbridge opened the bowling for Brentwood, both were unlucky not to take an early wicket, Bainbridge in particular used the balmy conditions to great effect with his effective swing bowling, in his first over he should have had opener Hall caught whilst still on nought, unfortunately the simple chance was spilled at mid-wicket by St. Martins School Head of physical education Dean Goddard.
It was an expensive mistake as Hall then went on to make nearly half of Loughton’s total. However, the visitors resistance crumbled as Tony Prior and Rob Coote bowled in tandem. Both can rely upon many years experience and guile, both of which were too much for a Loughton team weak through unavailability. They bowled together for twenty overs, their performance laid the foundations for the Brentwood reply. It was also noted that despite Goddard’s aberration Brentwoods fielding was of high quality. Kevin Bradford's long chase and excellent throw to dismiss Loughton’s number three being the highlight.
In reply and with time in hand opening batsmen Barry Brooks and Trevor Coote made a good start, Coote in particular looked in fine form with his careful shot selection and trademark running of his own quick singles. Coote eventually fell for 28. This brought Dean Goddard to the crease, he was soon in his stride. With Brooks content in playing the anchor role, Goddard despatched the ball to all parts he went on to score 58 not out as Loughtons total was overhauled, in so doing giving Brentwood their first victory of the season.
Brentwood are once again at home next week to South Woodford.
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31st May
Brentwood 3rd XI v South Woodford 3rd XI
Brentwood 3rd XI - 154 all out
South Woodford 3rd XI - 155-4
South Woodford won by 6 wickets
Brentwood played host to top of the League South Woodford. The home side fresh from their first win of the season the previous week, were pleased to be asked to bat first in the searing heat and on what appeared to be a good batting wicket. Captain Ken Lingwood was delighted by the opposing Captain's decision, for the Brentwood side were packed with quality batting and were, through poor availability, deprived of their usual strong bowling attack. Brentwood only had three recognised seam bowlers.
A confident start was required, yet Brentwood were unable to deliver as David Smith fell to a sharp catch in the South Woodford slips. This brought together Dean Goddard and Trevor Coote, both have a wealth of experience and have demonstrated good early season form. Their promising partnership was brought to a halt as Coote fell to another excellent slip catch. Coote looked to be in fine form yet was tempted by a wide delivery that was best left alone. Lingwood joined Goddard and yet again a promising partnership began. Neither batsmen looked to be in any trouble, until Lingwood's concentration wavered momentarily and he lost his wicket. This unfortunately was the pattern for the Brentwood innings, the top order batsmen all managed to make a start, yet all were unable to capitalise and convert their starts into an innings of substance. Application of their undoubted talent at this level must be redoubled if the team are to convert chances into victories.
It was left to the lower middle order to retrieve the situation and post a respectable score. Dwight Johnson (29), Nick Childs (27 not out) and Tony Prior (17) can all be pleased with their rearguard contribution. Brentwood were eventually all out for 154 which should have been so much better and around the 200 mark.
The heat had taken its toll on the South Woodford attack, as they took a very long time to bowl their overs. Consequently they had less time to attack Brentwoods total. Additionally the wicket was becoming slower which was compounded by the retention of the "old ball." Kevin Bradford opened the bowling and produced his best spell for the 3rd XI and was most unlucky not to take a wicket and finished with figures of 8.5 overs 3 maidens, 0 wickets for only 14 runs. His opening partner Michael J Payne also produced a frugal spell and also took the early wicket of opening batsman M. Browne. Regrettably for Brentwood, they did not quite have the firepower necessary to remove the opposition top order, a top order which knew that occupation of the crease was all that was needed to eventually overhaul Brentwood's inadequate total.
South Woodford reached the required total with a couple of overs to spare. Brentwood must learn from this defeat, and learn quickly that wickets are very valuable and must be protected with greater care than they currently seem to be.
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7th June
Brentwood 3rd XI v Walthamstow 3rd XI
Walthamstow 3rd XI - 132-3
Brentwood 3rd XI - 131 all out
Walthamstow won by 7 wickets
Brentwood travelled to Walthamstow in need of a good performance following the previous weeks heavy defeat.
Brentwood were invited to bat and provided a steady start through openers David Smith and Barry Brooks. 55 was made for the first wicket before Brooks fell to the accurate swing from Shaikh. What should have been the foundation of a good score proved only to be the start of a desperate middle order collapse. Captain Ken Lingwood had a front row seat to the devastation inflicted by Shaikh, he was at the non-strikers end watching in disbelief as the Brentwood middle order gave their wicket away with a series of rash shots. When the eighth wicket fell Brentwood had accumulated a pitiful 87. Tony Prior set about bringing a degree of respectability to the Brentwood cause as he watchfully played the bowling on its merits, a skill seemingly lost on the so called experienced batsmen preceding him. Prior received good support in the shape of Kevin Bradford and Mick Payne, numbers 10 and 11 respectively.
Brentwood were forced to bat beyond the usual 52 overs, thereby forfeiting their batting points in an effort to eat up the ample time left for Walthamstow to overhaul the meagre target. Eventually the visitors were bowled out for 131 in 62.1 overs. A. Shaikh was the star of the show finishing with figures of 18 overs, 7 maidens, 7 wickets for 27 runs.
For Brentwood to get anything from the game they had to take wickets early on so as to put pressure on the Walthamstow batsmen, who merely had to occupy the crease and slowly collect runs to win. The visitors bowled very well, particularly Prior and Bradford only to be let down by by their fielders as chance after chance was spilled. Any glimmer of hope that Brentwood had was extinguished by their suicidal catching display, a total of nine chances were missed.
Wathamstow overhauled the 131 total set by Brentwood with 10 overs to spare. Brentwood can only hope that this performance is as bad as it gets, as they slump to bottom but one of the Division. "Too good to go down?" Ask Glenn Roeder.
Brentwood entertain Woodford Wells on Saturday.
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14th June
Brentwood 3rd XI v Woodford Wells 3rd XI
Brentwood 3rd XI - 203-7
Woodford Wells 3rd XI - 202-6
Brentwood won by 3 wickets
Following poor performances in the previous two weeks, this fixture became a "must win" for the Brentwood side.
Brentwood upon losing the toss were invited to field in Saturday's stifling temperatures. The Wells made a steady start as Brentwood failed to find any penetration with the new ball. The Brentwood Captain in an effort to kick start his sides attack called upon the experience of Tony Prior after only five overs. His effect was immediate as his accurate line and length stemmed the early flow of Wells runs. Prior in tandem with Mike Hornsby began to frustrate the visitors opening batsmen until the inevitable mistake presented itself as Dwight Johnson took a sharp catch at short extra cover from the bowling of Prior. Brentwood had hoped that this would be the start of positive inroads into the Woodford Wells line up, unfortunately for the home side, the visitors displayed patience and sensible shot selection. The total grew steadily, as in particular Mark Severn and Andy Pearson made 41 and 43 not out respectively.
Brentwood's fielding and bowling remained at a high standard, much improved from the dismal efforts of previous weeks, with Prior in particular ignoring the protests from his failing body in the heat, to put in a magnificent display of 19 overs, 7 maidens, 3 wickets for 47 runs. Prior and Damian Muncaster with his well flighted off break bowling worked in tandem for ten tight overs, before with great compassion, the Brentwood Captain gave Prior a deserved rest. The pair were instrumental in restricting the visitors total to 202 as they surprisingly declared with 7 balls remaining. A decision that was to prove costly later.
In reply Brentwood made a good and positive start as Barry Brooks and Ken Lingwood put on 80 for the first wicket when Brooks was caught behind for 29. Brentwood's response was measured as they achieved their short term target of leaving 100 runs to score from the last 20 overs, with 8 wickets in hand. Unfortunately, just as Brentwood were about to press home their advantage, an all too typical middle order collapse ensued as Woodford Wells elected to take the new ball. With partners falling quickly at the other end and the run rate falling below the asking rate, Lingwood began to take the attack to the Wells bowlers, only for he also to fall for a well made 66.
With six overs to be bowled Brentwood required 60 runs. Fresh to the crease were Trevor Coote and Tony Prior. The pair have an abundance of experience, they felt that there was still a chance of an unlikely Brentwood victory. The stage was set, as spurred on by good support from an unusually large amount of spectators due to the early finish of the 1st team game and the quiet encouragement from their Captain, the pair of old war horses set about their task. They played controlled big shots to the bad ball and stole many quick singles where others of less experience would have faltered. They managed to keep pace with the required run rate as with two overs remaining, a run a ball was needed. Prior took the initiative as he smashed the ball for six over deep mid wicket having bizarrely decided to pad back the previous delivery. Only five runs were required in the last over. Farmer bowled a good tight line and length, yet Coote and Prior were able to edge towards victory. It was Trevor Coote who hit the winning runs from the last ball of the innings.
It was a magnificent effort from the exhausted and heroic Coote and Prior. The home side were ecstatic as the victory lifts them to the middle of the table. The Wells obviously disappointed, must be ruing their early declaration.
Brentwood travel to Fives and Heronians this coming Saturday.
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21st June
Brentwood 3rd XI v Fives and Heronians 3rd XI
Fives and Heronians 3rd XI - 260-7
Brentwood 3rd XI - 260-6
Match drawn
Following last weeks excitement in winning with the last ball, Brentwood visited Fives and Heronians with confidence and in an upbeat mood.
Another sweltering day and a good wicket promised many runs. On winning the toss, Brentwood elected to field, with a well balanced and experienced bowling attack. Opening bowlers Kevin Bradford and Mike Hornsby made a good start without however, making the most of the new ball by taking early wickets. Fives' opening batsmen were more intent on seeing off the "new ball" without loss knowing full well that runs would flow when the seam and swing diminished. They didn't however reckon on the accuracy of Paul Webb's fielding. Webb fielding at mid off found himself scampering to his left as opening bat Franklyn attempted to steal a quick single. Webb however anticipated the move and in one movement picked up and threw the stumps down for the opening wicket.
17 year old Kevin Bradford is restricted to a maximum of 7 overs in one spell. It was with much regret that the Captain was forced to rest the young shaver as his opening salvo cost only 2 runs! He was replaced by the in form Tony Prior. Prior struck in his 2nd over by bowling Neary for 13. Regrettably, for the Brentwood bowling attack they were unable to exert sufficient pressure on the Fives batsmen. As Foley 72 and Ambridge 52 put together a partnership of 111. Bradford came back for his second spell and was to get his reward with a wicket. His second spell given the softer ball and batsmen looking to force the pace, was even better than his first seven overs. His figures overall were 14 overs, 7 maidens, 1 wicket for only 24 runs.
Fives and Heronians reached a total of 260 for 7 wickets in their 52 overs which make Bradford's figure all the better.
Although a very large total, the Brentwood batsmen were not daunted by the target as opening batsmen Barry Brooks and Ken Lingwood made an excellent start. They kept to the required run rate for their partnership of 98, before Brooks was caught LBW for a fine 41. Lingwood opened his shoulders in an effort to maintain the run rate as he despatched leg spinner McDonald to all parts. Unfortunately for Brentwood, Lingwood eventually fell for 63. The Brentwood middle order again were unable to capitalise on the good start four wickets fell for 17 runs. This brought together last weeks hero Trevor Coote and Ash Patel, the score was 166 for 6 with only 11 overs remaining.
Experience was the watch word in this situation, the pair brought the field in by seemingly holding on for the draw. Fives fell into their trap as Coote and Patel began to hit over the infield to the boundry. Little by little the pair brought Brentwood to the edge of another victory as they required 10 from the last over.
Despite a valiant Brentwood effort, Coote 45 not out and Patel 42 not out, Fives were able to hold the rampant pair to nine in the last over thereby bringing the scores level and the match was drawn. It was a hugely entertaining match played in good spirit and on an excellent batting track.
Brentwood seem to be recovering from their poor start to the season, as both batsmen and bowlers are finding their form. This coming Saturday Brentwood entertain Hainault and Clayhall.
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28th June
Brentwood 3rd XI v Hainault and Clayhall 3rd XI
Brentwood 3rd XI - 173-2
Hainault and Clayhall 3rd XI - 172 all out
Brentwood won by 8 wickets
Brentwood won the toss and invited Hainault and Clayhall to bat.
The visitors made slow but assured progress on the slow and low Brentwood back pitch, compounded by the accuracy of opening bowlers Tony Prior and Iain Smith. It was in fact Prior who took the first wicket as Jackson endeavoured to force the pace.
The home side then introduced debutant 15 year old leg spinner Dayan Gulrajani into the attack. It was clear from his first over that he possessed the necessary attributes to exploit the conditions that presented themselves to the full. Bowling for the majority of time with the frugal Prior, the pair exerted so much pressure that the run rate stayed well below average. Prior's figures were 17 overs, 5 maidens, 2 wickets for only 27 runs. Hainault and Clayhall in an effort to up the run rate decided to attempt to attack the youngster Gulrajani. A tactic misguided in the extreme as he took wicket after wicket in an enthralling display, as with his confidence growing on each over he began to mix his bowling by varying his pace and introduced the odd off break. It was only D. Patel (53) and Nick Whitehead, the visitors skipper, (31), who formed any resistance. Gulrajani finishing with figures of 21 overs, 3 maidens, 7 wickets for 78 runs.
Chasing Hainault and Clayhall's total of 172, Brentwood opened with David Smith and Captain Ken Lingwood. Both made a watchful start as it was difficult to score on the slow wicket and in the face of some good tight bowling by the visitors. Smith's patience was the first to go as with an uncharacteristic dance down the wicket he was bowled by Ted Scott. Lingwood was joined by Chris Lawless who found conditions far from his ideal as it took him 24 balls to make a run, to his credit despite an early chance that was spilled, Lawless applied himself to the task and after his slow start began to find his feet and his form. Lingwood is in a rich vein of form which has brought him half centuries in the previous two games, he too was watchful to start but along with Lawless always kept ahead of the asking rate. Lingwood in an effort to increase the rate still further, was forced into an error by Triggs who had just taken the new ball, and he had Lingwood caught at mid off for 33.
Although the taking of the new ball claimed a wicket it was more to the advantage of the Brentwood batsmen. Oli Gant joined Lawless, the pair soon found the additional bounce from the new ball to their liking and began to increase the run rate, Lawless in particular now despatching anything off line or length. The Hainault and Clayhall total was comfortably overhauled with 3 and a half overs in hand. Lawless finishing with 71 not out Gant also very much looked the part with a chanceless unbeaten score of 35.
Brentwood have now performed very well in their last three games and hope to take this form into next weeks match against league leaders Wanstead.
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5th July
Brentwood 3rd XI v Wanstead 3rd XI
Wanstead 3rd XI - 221-5 dec
Brentwood 3rd XI - 179-9
Match drawn
Brentwood travelled to top-of-the-table Wanstead having suffered several changes to the previous weeks team due to poor availability, but Captain Ken Lingwood was still able to select a side which he could be confident would be full of the spirit that led the team to League honours a few seasons ago.
The Wanstead captain had not lost a toss all season but Lingwood was not to be intimidated and having won the toss invited his opposite number to bat first. With the tireless Tony Prior and 13 year old Joe Surtees opening the bowling and both producing prodigious away swing, runs were difficult to come by and the pressure soon told as Palmer was run out following some excellent work by 3rd XI debutant Gary Jones. As Surtees then picked up Brentwood's second wicket, bowling Ball with the score on just 15, the visitors sensed blood. Surtees' fine opening spell yielded 1 for 7 from 5 overs and his only complaint was that the ball was swinging too much! However with Janjua at the wicket playing some big shots Lingwood turned to the off-spin of Dean Goddard and the leg-spin of Paul Webb to slow the run rate. With the rate duly slowed, Goddard picked up a brace of wickets and Webb then trapped captain Pluck leg before. Janjua then had to play increasingly risky shots and in doing so was dropped twice in identical fashion by the unfortunate Prior. The first saw the ball go so high it almost came down with snow on it and the second, whilst not so high, forced Prior to attempt to bring the ball down on his chest. Both went to ground with Janjua in the 40's and he went on to make a crucial 128 not out to guide Wanstead to an early declaration of 221 for 5 in the 50th over, a total that Brentwood considered overly sporting and were confident of chasing.
Lingwood opened Brentwood's reply along with Jason Swan and the pair made a steady start until Swan was bowled by the mesmeric variation of Ramdial for 15. Jones joined Lingwood at the crease and the two made inroads into the target as Jones immediately showed the form that he has produced for the club over the years. The pair played some fine shots to keep the visitors in the chase and despite both departing soon after each other for 28 and 36 respectively, the chase was still very much on as Brentwood needed just 94 from the final 20 overs with 6 wickets in hand. Unfortunately Goddard was dismissed with the first ball of the 20 and whilst Oli Gant (25) and Chris Dann (27) kept the scoreboard ticking, once they were out Brentwood were left looking for bonus points rather than the full 18 that accompany victory. As Prior and Surtees both departed it was left to bat-out specialist Webb and Michael Payne to get Brentwood beyond 175 and see out the remaining 8 overs as the light faded and the field closed in.
Having given Wanstead their "first real game of the season" Brentwood now travel to bottom-of-the-table Loughton without holidaying captain Lingwood and keen to start climbing the league table and kick-start the second half of the season.
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12th July
Brentwood 3rd XI v Loughton 3rd XI
Loughton 3rd XI - 164-9 declared
Brentwood 3rd XI - 169-1
Brentwood won by 9 wickets
Brentwood travelled to the beautiful setting of Bancrofts School without influential captain Ken Lingwood but full of confidence following positive recent results and ready to continue their good run against bottom-of-the-league side Loughton. Vice captain Barry Brooks set the day off well by winning the toss and consigned his team to fielding in the heat of the day by asking Loughton to bat first.
The decision looked to have paid dividends when Joe Surtees bowled Richards, forcing him to play-onto his stumps with the score on just 19. When Inam went one run later, bowled by Surtees' opening partner Mike Hornsby, Brentwood gained in confidence and sensed an early finish. However, with Ali and Alexis Mannion playing some good shots at the wicket and with Surtees (4 overs, 1 for 31) and Hornsby (6 overs, 1 for 42) guilty of over-pitching, Loughton began to fight back. This prompted Brooks to introduce Tony Prior and Paul Webb into the attack in an attempt to stem the flow of runs. The tactic worked as Mannion soon fell to Webb, well caught close-in by the alert Jim Lingwood with the score on 86 and this prompted a collapse as Swash, Smith and Ali all came and went before the score reached 90, Smith dismissed by a fine diving catch from Hornsby at backward point. Loughton staged a revival of sorts as Barrett and Hamlin hung around whilst not particularly able to score runs against the tight Brentwood bowling and tidy fielding, not least of all from Oli Gant who resembled a magnet the ball came to him so much. Webb (13 overs, 3 for 30) had Hamlin stumped and was then replaced by the more aggressive Nigel Mackay (7 overs, 1 for 13) who eventually accounted for Barrett as Prior took a fine catch at gully. Dean Goddard (10 overs, 1 for 27) replaced the frugal Prior (12 overs, 2 for 18) and his penetrating off-spin rewarded him with the wicket of Bishop as Loughton were left only able to bat out the 52nd over leaving them on 164, a total which was probably some 100 runs short of being competitive. Half of Loughton's runs had come in the first 14 overs.
Brentwood's response got off to a good start as Brooks and Jason Swan put on 54 for the first wicket before it all became too easy for Brooks and he played a lazy shot off Barrett and was bowled. This however merely brought Goddard to the wicket and despite still needing more than 100 runs to win he and Swan showed the understanding ability necessary to finish the job. Goddard reached his fifty after just 55 balls and finished on 66 not out, a fine blend of stroke-play and sharp running, with the odd slog thown in. With Brentwood needing just 6 runs to win however, Swan was still 8 runs short of his half-century after Goddard had smited 12 from the preceeding over. Swan nudged and scampered a couple of two's to bring himself to 46 and his side to within 2 runs of victory. Prompted by Goddard to look at the scoreboard and realising that only a boundary would do, Swan then pranced down the track to the very next ball and deposited it straight back over the bowlers head for 6, the shot of the day, taking his own tally to an unbeaten 52 and seeing Brentwood home with more than 19 of the last 20 overs remaining.
Next week Brooks hands the reins back to Lingwood as Brentwood travel to third placed South Woodford.
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19th July
Brentwood 3rd XI v South Woodford 3rd XI
South Woodford 3rd XI - 240 for 6 declared
Brentwood 3rd XI - 214 all out
South Woodford won by 36 runs
Another hot day greeted Brentwood at South Woodford as the visitors looked to capitalise on victory the previous week.
South Woodford on winning the toss elected to bat on an excellent wicket and a short slick outfield. Brentwood opened their attack with Kevin Bradford and Perry Lawless both of which soon found a good line and length, without unfortunately making the vital early breakthrough.
The luckless Lawless was replaced by Paul Webb, whose leg spin induced a number of rash shots. He too saw little reward as firstly he had an easy chance spilled at mid on and then Hutchins gloved a ball to the Brentwood keeper who took a comfortable catch. Inexplicably, Hutchins did not walk and was adjudged not out by the umpire. Fortunately, the decision did not prove expensive as Webb took his wicket five balls later, well caught by Bradford, for the addition of no further runs.
South Woodford had made a solid start, yet Brentwood saw their chance as opener Browne had to temporarily retire and two quick wickets fell. Tony Prior was introduced into the attack and continued the tight bowling. South Woodford however, batted with patience and regrouped and steadily increased their run rate. Brentwood dropped three more catches, allowing the home side to declare after 50 overs on 240 for 6.
Brentwood were fielding a relatively inexperienced batting line up, yet were not daunted by chasing 240 runs. A good opening stand developed between Oli Gant and Ken Lingwood before the latter went for 18 caught behind with the score on 46. This was particularly disappointing as Lingwood, who looked very comfortable, knew the importance of retaining his wicket with the talented yet inexperienced batsmen to follow.
South Woodford's attack, encouraged by the taking of the first wicket, began to restrict the Brentwood reply as wickets fell at regular intervals. The one constant to the Brentwood reply was Oli Gant, who laboured early on in his innings yet began to take responsibility as the wickets fell at the other end. Gant moved slowly to his 50, thereafter he controlled the strike as his confidence grew. Brentwood were still in touch with the required run rate and the home side knew it, as the run rate accelerated the over rate went in the other direction to an appalling 13 overs per hour. Despite the unsportsmanlike tactics Gant took the game to the hosts as he completed a superb maiden century.
With five overs to go Brentwood required 8 an over. Despite Gant's valiant efforts, he was running out of partners, compounded by the sudden loss of light as the ground was engulfed by ominous thunder clouds, making conditions almost impossible to continue. To the back drop of black clouds and streaks of lightning Brentwood were bowled out with three overs remaining. Gant remained unbeaten on 116.
Brentwood can take heart from the fact that they remained competitive despite the lack of availability and can look forward to next weeks home fixture against Walthamstow.
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26th July
Brentwood 3rd XI v Walthamstow 3rd XI
Brentwood 3rd XI - 194-9
Walthamstow 3rd XI - 236-9
Match drawn
Brentwood played host to Walthamstow and upon winning the toss invited the visitors to bat.
The wicket promised to offer help to the bowlers whilst providing a good quick surface upon which to bat. Opening bowler Kevin Bradford made the all important early breakthrough by taking the wicket of Mohammed, superbly caught by Dwight Johnson at gully. Fellow opening bowler Mike Hornsby was also to contribute by inducing B. Smith to play on.
The home side although bowling and fielding well were unable to turn advantage into further wickets as J. Sinden (100) and A. Arun (57) made good use of the quick outfield and good wicket. It took some sharp Brentwood catching and excellent ground fielding to stem the tide. The Walthamstow tail end offered little resistance as Paul Webb entered the attack, his change of pace induced a number of rash shots and effectively ended the Walthamstow innings as they declared with nine wickets down for 236.
Brentwood were in confident mood as they set about overhauling the target with in form opening batsmen Oli Gant and Ken Lingwood. The pair had raced along to 54 before Gant fell for a positive 27. Lingwood continued to play in the same vein. By now an incessant drizzle ensued, although it did not fall sufficiently heavily to force a stoppage, it did however, make fielding and bowling awkward. More significantly for Brentwood, the saturated outfield and ball made runs hard to come by. The run rate fell as a consequence and Lingwood fell for 46. Mark Donkin entered the fray for Brentwood and despite a few early chances soon took the initiative, he hit some splendid shots until he too fell on 59 attempting to force the pace.
By now the weather had taken Brentwood's chance of winning, their next target was to reach 200 so as to gain maximum batting points. Regrettably, in an exciting finale Brentwood fell short and finished on 194 for nine wickets. The match was therefore drawn with Brentwood collecting 7 points.
As we enter the final third of the season Brentwood find themselves being dragged into a fight to stay in the top flight. They visit Woodford Wells this coming Saturday.
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2nd August
Brentwood 3rd XI v Woodford Wells 3rd XI
Woodford Wells 3rd XI - 284-3
Brentwood 3rd XI - 281-6 dec
Woodford Wells won by 7 wickets
Brentwood were effectively one of four sides fighting to avoid the one remaining relegation spot. It was vital therefore to come away from this fixture with sufficient points to ensure that they stay ahead of those teams also in the relegation fight.
With this in mind, the Brentwood Captain on winning the toss elected to bat first on the excellent Wells pitch that is accompanied by a short fast outfield. Brentwood 's target was to achieve maximum batting points and if not win, ensure that full advantage was taken of the double batting points offered to the team batting first.
Ken Lingwood and Trevor Coote opened the innings for Brentwood and made a good start, until Lingwood was forced to retire hurt from a nasty blow to the ankle. Chris Lawless entered the fray and soon found the middle of his bat hitting nine boundries before being bowled by Waller for 41. Lingwood was then able to return to the crease albeit briefly as he fell for 26. Meanwhile Coote was playing with great fluency and was instrumental in keeping the excellent run rate up. He was joined by Steve Morritt, whom despite not having played all year was soon demonstrating his obvious ability scoring at more than a run a ball.
Coote looked to be homing in on a well deserved century before he was out caught for 82. It was an excellent innings that will be sure to create a nice problem for the 2nd XI Captain at this weeks selection. Morritt by now had reached his 50 and went on to make 63 not out as Brentwood declared on an intimidating total of 281 from 52 overs, thereby reaching their short term target of the maximum 8 batting points.
For Woodford Wells to attack such a large total they had to make a good start by retaining wickets and maintaing a run rate of 6 an over. Regretably for Brentwood they did both, despite losing their first wicket for 40. A glimmer of hope for Brentwood presented itself as Mick Payne took the second wicket with his first ball. Wells opener Cyril Hickson was the corner stone of the home sides reply as he made steady progress past his 50. Hickson was joined by M. Hicks and the pair proceeded to put together a partnership of 165, before Hickson eventually fell to the bowling of Tony Prior for an outstanding and chance free 131.
By now victory for Brentwood was unlikely, but there was every chance of them collecting additional bowling points by taking further wickets as Wells took chances as they fought to overhaul the large Brentwood target.
It is to Brentwood's credit that they maintained their concentration and enthusiasm in the face of an excellent and chanceless Wells reply. The home side were to reach victory with 10 balls of the match remaining. The game was played by both sides in an excellent spirit.
Brentwood in taking nine points from the game have with other results in their favour, remained in sixth place. If they replicate the commitment demonstrated in this match survival will be ensured.
Brentwood meet fellow strugglers Five and Heronians in a vital clash in Brentwood this Saturday.
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9th August
Brentwood 3rd XI v Fives & Heronians 3rd XI
Brentwood 3rd XI - 217-5
Fives & Heronians 3rd XI - 216-7
Brentwood won by 4 wickets
Brentwood entertained fellow relegation candidates Fives on a good wicket and a lighting fast sun baked outfield. On losing the toss Brentwood were invited to field.
Fives got off to a very good start as Brentwood's opening medium pace bowlers laboured in the extreme heat. The score had moved swiftly to 50 inside 9 overs. A change of tack was required to stem the flow. The introduction of leg spinners Paul Webb and Dayan Gulrajani brought Brentwood success almost immediately as Webb took the wicket of the dangerous Thurston for 45, with an athletic catch in the covers by Trevor Coote. The very next over saw the remaining Fives opener bowled by Gulrajani.
The Brentwood fielders spurred on by the two wickets began to exert tremendous pressure as they moved very quickly through their overs and increased the quality of their work. Webb and Gulrajani found their rhythm very quickly, as the run rate fell dramatically, the second 50 took twice as long as the first.
Wickets fell regularly as the pressure on the Fives batsmen grew. With the frugal Webb bowling a particularly tight line at one end, Gulrajani was able to demonstrate his full repertoire. With his use of flight and the ability to spin the ball both ways he finished his marathon spell of 22 overs, taking 5 wickets for 68 runs. Webb finished his best performance of the year with 16 overs taking 1 wicket for 54 runs.
Fives and Heronians declared on 216 for 8 wickets in 52 overs. A total that looked vulnerable as Brentwood thanks to their excellent over rate bought themselves nearly two hours and 20 overs to achieve the target.
In reply however, Brentwood got off to the worst possible start as two wickets fell in the first 3 overs. Ken Lingwood was then joined at the wicket by Jason Swan. The pair set about repairing the early damage, by seeing off the new ball and the accurate opening spell from Bacon and Chandrakumar. They had put on 58 valuable runs before Lingwood was bowled for 22 by Fives Skipper Coleman. By now the ball was not moving around so much which allowed Swan to play a number of exquisite shot on both sides of the wicket and was rewarded with a half century.
For Brentwood to reach their target Swan was required to re double his effort and concentration in the oppressive heat. Two further wickets fell bringing all rounder Tony Prior to the crease. The home side were five wickets down still requiring 90 runs from the last 18 overs. Prior joined Swan in regularly finding the boundary with his trade mark square cuts. The fight was slowly but surely disappearing from the Fives attack as they couldn't find answers to the home sides strokeplay. Swan looked on course for a well deserved century when on 98 he was bowled. It was an excellent and chanceless match winning innings.
Prior and Coote completed the formalities by scoring the remaining runs with four overs in hand. It was a fantastic all round team performance by the homeside topped off by the heroics of Swan and Gulrajani. Brentwood are now well on their way to preserving their Premiership status and travel to Hainault and Clayhall this coming Saturday.
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16th August
Brentwood 3rd XI v Hainault & Clayhall 3rd XI
Hainault & Clayhall 3rd XI - 182-9 declared
Brentwood 3rd XI - 186-4
Brentwood won by 6 wickets
Brentwood travelled to Clayhall Park on the back of good recent form. Hainault and Clayhall in contrast have not faired so well and found themselves second from bottom.
The homeside won the toss and elected to bat on a very dry and broken-surfaced wicket. Brentwood's opening attack of Tony Prior and Ash Patel made an effective and accurate start, they were rewarded as Prior took the wicket of opening bat Ijaz in his first over. Prior was to complete a spell of 9 overs 2 maidens 3 wickets for 33. His figures could have so much better had he not conceded 16 runs in his 6th over to Hainault and Clayhall's dangerous Soor. Soor had rapidly reached 28 before Prior was to get his revenge as has was caught behind.
With the new ball hardness and shine diminishing, the Brentwood Captain introduced Dayan Gulrajani into his attack. With each appearance for the 3rd XI Gulrajani's confidence grows, confidence brings rhythm and consistency vital for a leg spinner. His accuracy took its toll on the hosts' run rate. Gulrajani took two vital wickets at a critical period of the game and was to finish with 20 overs, 4 maidens, 2 wickets for 43 runs.
Gulrajani's success brought another leg spinner into the attack. Paul Webb has been in good form of late and took an instant liking to the wicket. In his 10 overs he took 3 wickets for 44 runs. No mean task as the home side pushed for batting points.
There was some late Hainault resistance as Frank Jackson completed an undefeated 56 and Don Triggs hit a quick fire 21. The homesides total as they declared after 52 overs was 182. A total which, thanks to good Brentwood bowling and fielding, was not likely to be enough unless the wicket deteriorated further.
In reply Brentwood opening batsmen Ken Lingwood and Barry Brooks made a positive start with Lingwood in particular punishing anything too full in length as he commanded his players to come and watch him bat. With the partnership on 46, Brooks was undone by a good ball from Shah that took his off stump. Last weeks hero Jason Swan came to the wicket and made a watchful start as Lingwood continued to find the boundaries with military precision, including an uncharacteristic straight six from the first ball of one particular over.
Brentwood were well in front of the asking run rate as Hainault toiled away. Regrettably, for Brentwood they gifted their wickets as Swan and Dean Goddard fell to simple catches. Lingwood too gave his wicket away when he had reached 45 very comfortably, as he patted the ball back to the bowler.
Mark Donkin and Trevor Coote came together with 67 remaining to score for victory. Donkin too has been in good form of late, which continued as he regularly found the boundary. Coote was content to play the "anchor" and give the strike to his partner.
The pair soon overhauled the target with 12 overs left in the game. Donkin was 42 not out, Coote was also undefeated on 21. It was a commanding Brentwood performance, that sees them barring disaster retaining their Premiership place.
Brentwood play host to League leaders Wanstead this coming Saturday.
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23rd August
Brentwood 3rd XI v Wanstead 3rd XI
Brentwood 3rd XI - 286-3 declared
Wanstead 3rd XI - 279-7
Match drawn
Brentwood played host to League leaders Wanstead. The visitors won the toss and inserted Brentwood.
Openers Ken Lingwood and Barry Brooks got off to a good start against an excellent opening salvo from the Wanstead bowlers.
Lingwood had looked comfortable and had "done the hard work" before he was caught at long off for 20. That brought Chris Lawless to the crease, and he soon began to find the middle of the bat and in turn the boundary. He and Brooks took the initiative and put on a further 136 runs before Lawless fell for an excellent 61. Brooks had, from a slow yet deliberate start, also began to find his form and looked well set until he soon followed Lawless for a well deserved 70. Both Lawless and Brooks laid a sturdy foundation upon which to build. It was the combination of Dwight Johnson and Mark Donkin that took advantage. With the shine off the ball and the Wanstead change bowlers in harness, it was time to increase the run rate. The pair came together with six overs remaining. To follow was a display of Flintoff/Hall type hitting as the ball was despatched to all parts of the ground. The pair put on 80 runs in the last six overs. Donkin remained undefeated on 50 from 28 balls Johnson was left on 44 not out from only 19 balls. It was a stellar performance as Brentwood declared with a formidable 286 runs.
Brentwood with runs to play with opened their attack with the old ball and the slow spin of Paul Webb and Dean Goddard, in an effort to induce rash shots from the visitors opening batsmen. The bait, however was not taken as a steady and at times fortunate opening partnership ensued. The breakthrough came with a blend of experience in Tony Prior and his protégé Kevin Bradford and the new ball as they took a wicket apiece to remove the openers in successive overs, the score was now 89. Wickets proceeded to fall at regular intervals with a combination of good bowling and fielding.
The score had reached 162 for 6 by the 29th over. At this stage, Brentwood were favourites for victory, there were 16 overs left in the game with 4 wickets left and 118 runs for Wanstead to find. Wanstead to their credit remained positive, as they pushed for victory, rather than take the safe option of a draw.
Wantead's Shoab Iqbal and Dave Smith made best use of an excellent wicket, with a dazzling display of stroke play as they put the Brentwood medium pacers to the sword. It was not poor bowling that kept Wanstead in the hunt, but quite excellent shot selection. The pair had put on 73 bringing the score to 235 with 5 overs remaining. The Brentwood Captain took the gamble of reintroducing the slow bowling of Webb and Goddard. A gamble which paid off as Webb took the important wicket of Smith. Wanstead's rhythm was now broken as Goddard and in particular Webb remained disciplined in line and length.
Wanstead fell short of the Brentwood total by 7 runs. The match was drawn with Brentwood taking the lions share of the points and effectively preserving their Premiership status. This was an excellent contest by two evenly matched teams. Wanstead will more than likely wrap up the League title this coming week, whereas the Brentwood Captain is left to fathom out why his squad of talented individuals are languishing now in mid-table mediocrity, instead of challenging at the top.
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30th August
Brentwood 3rd XI v Upminster 3rd XI
Upminster 3rd XI - 176-9
Brentwood 3rd XI - 182-5
Brentwood won by 5 wickets
Brentwood's in form 3rd XI travelled to Coopers Coburn School for their fixture against Upminster, who were still mathematically in with a shout of the title.
On a damp yet drying wicket the Brentwood Captain upon losing the toss was surprised to be invited to field, on such a carefully prepared seamer friendly pitch. Brentwood's opening bowlers Ash Patel and Kevin Bradford soon removed an Upminster opening batsman each in the 5th and 6th over, thanks in no small part to the excellent catching of Hall Mead School Head of Games, Jason Swan.
In an effort to protect their wickets Upminster's run rate fell as pressure from Brentwood's change bowlers Perry Lawless and Paul Webb increased. Lawless was as ever very accurate and extracted prodigious movement from the pitch, too much, as the batsmen were unable to even find an edge. Webb's leg spin from the other end was finding similar grip and movement, he was to get reward for his efforts with the wicket of the steadfast Allen.
Wickets were hard earned but fell on regular occassions as Upminster declared after 52 overs with a score of 176 for 9. The pick of the Brentwood bowlers were Bradford, 13 overs 1 maiden 3 wickets for 43 runs, and Webb, 18 overs 2 maidens 4 wickets for 75 runs.
Brentwood were happy to have restricted the hosts and with the pitch drying rapidly were in confident mood. Regrettably for Brentwood that confidence was quickly dashed as Upminster's opening bowlers removed 4 Brentwood wickets with only 22 runs on the board. Brentwood opening bat Barry Brooks was witness to the early departures and was joined at the wicket by Fletcher Lennon. The pair set about repairing the damage, with Lennon in particular cutting and slashing his way to 43 before being caught. It was a welcome return to the 3rd XI for Lennon, whose partnership of 89 with Brooks changed the game in Brentwood's favour.
Trevor Coote then joined Brooks. Both maintained the pressure on the hosts with a string of boundaries. For Upminster there was nothing but frustration, but for Brentwood, Coote (41 not out) and Brooks' (69 not out) majestic stroke play brought victory without any further losses and in only 34 overs.
The result denied Upminster any further interest in the title, but for Brentwood it continued their recent run of excellent performances, and they now look forward to continuing the run in Saturdays final game, home to West Essex.
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6th September
Brentwood 3rd XI v West Essex 3rd XI
West Essex 3rd XI - 202-7
Brentwood 3rd XI - 206-5
Brentwood won by 5 wickets
Brentwood played host to West Essex for the final League fixture of the season as Brentwood aimed to extend their recent excellent form.
On winning the toss Brentwood had no hesitation in inviting the visitors to bat. Opening bowlers Kevin and Perry, Bradford and Lawless respectively bowled a frugal spell that although restricted scoring, failed to make the all important breakthrough. With the score at 45 after 15 overs, Captain Lingwood, brought into the attack the mercurial talents of Ash Patel and Tony Prior.
Their impact was immediate, as Patel took the wicket of opening bat C. Bowley and Prior removed Spinks in the next over. As Lingwood juggled his pack of bowlers by introducing leg spinner Paul Webb, wickets proceeded to fall at regular intervals, with all bowlers playing their part in a good team effort. As the seventh West Essex wicket fell with the score on 202 from 51 overs, the visitors Captain declared their innings.
When fielding first Brentwood have got into the good habit of bowling their overs very quickly, as a consequence allowing their batsmen ample time to reach the total. This fixture was no different.
In reply the Brentwood innings got off to a flying start as West Essex elected to open their attack with the "old" ball and slow bowlers, believing that such a ploy would stifle the shotmaking abilities of Brentwood openers Ken Lingwood and Trevor Coote. Their plan backfired as both Lingwood and Coote set off at a rate of more than five an over. The flow of runs was only slowed by the all too late introduction of the "new" ball and a change to the quicker seam bowlers, who proceeded to extract prodigious movement through the air and off the pitch. With the score on 80 Coote was bowled for 44. Lingwood was not far behind as he was bowled for 36. Despite these two losses the foundations were set firm for the following batsmen. Mark Donkin entered the fray and delighted the crowd with a cameo 24, before also being bowled by the accurate Khan.
Steve Lennon was next in. It was Lennon who changed last weeks game in Brentwood's favour, could he continue? The answer was emphatically yes. He has been known to get himself into a lot of trouble with his trademark slashes and cuts, but today his efforts found the boundary regularly, he went on to make 35 from only 18 balls before he too fell victim to Khan. The contest was all but over as Brentwood cruised past the asking total with the loss of 5 wickets in only 35 overs.
Despite Brentwood's fine finish to the season they only managed to reach 6th place. However, if they can take this current form into next year they will be a force to be reckoned with.
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