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15th May
Fives & Heronians 3rd XI - 177 all out
Brentwood 3rd XI - 178-5
Brentwood won by 5 wickets
Report by Ken Lingwood
Following the disappointment of last weeks deluge, Brentwood 3rd XI travelled to Fives & Heronians to start their 2004 Shepherd Neame Premiership campaign.
Fives won the toss and elected to bat on a very good track, that although slow from the recent weather, promised to offer a good batting surface and have something for the bowler.
Brentwood fielded a strong side which should the trend follow, ought to be pushing for honours, where previously they had flattered to deceive. Fives had made a steady start against the opening Brentwood attack of 14 year old Joe Surtees and the more experienced 17 year old Kevin Bradford. Bradford took the first wicket with the hosts on 56, by clean bowling opener Thurston during his excellent first bowling spell. The Fives opener and skipper Graham Neary was constructing a watchful and solid innings, Brentwood required to make another strike. Captain Lingwood turned to the experience and guile of Tony Prior and Peter Bainbridge. The move paid off quickly as Prior struck in his third and fourth over. Bainbridge also bowled well albeit without reward.
With Prior tiring after his marathon nine over spell, Paul Webb was introduced into the attack. His leg spin also brought instant reward, his excellent spell would break the back of the Fives innings as he took the wicket of Neary whom fell for a very good 89. Thereafter resistance was finished. Webb "mopped" up and finished with 4 wickets from his 12.4 overs for the cost of only 37.
Brentwood required 178 to win. Openers Barry Brooks and Ken Lingwood set about their task at a good pace, until Brooks' concentration wavered and was caught behind for 23 with the score on 47. Lingwood continued to attack the Fives bowlers with a mixture of exquisite off side drives and cuts, interspersed by a liberal smattering of agricultural leg side shots. Lingwood was caught behind for 62. The game was eventually won as Trevor Coote and Dean Goddard put together a fifty partnership finishing on 33 and 32 respectively, with 16 overs to spare.
Brentwood can take many positives from this very good performance, with the good form of both batsmen and bowlers. This coming Saturday Brentwood play host to newly promoted Gidea Park & Romford.
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22nd May
Brentwood 3rd XI - 181-5 declared
Gidea Park and Romford 3rd XI - 183-7
GP&R won by 3 wickets
Report by Ken Lingwood
Brentwood played host to newly promoted GP&R. The visitors won the toss and inserted Brentwood.
A combination of a very slow outfield and a very accurate opening attack of Paul Windmill and J. Toogood, restricted the normally free flowing Brentwood top order batsmen.
Barry Brooks and Peter Morgan put together a 2nd wicket partnership of 61 before Brooks fell for a watchful 38. Although scoring was still slow Brentwood could take heart from the fact that they did not give their wickets away cheaply. A foundation was therefore created to push on in the latter part of the innings. With Morgan looking more and more comfortable, and with the initial assistance of Chris Lawless (27), the scoring rate increased.
A competitive total of 175 was possible, as Trevor Coote joined Morgan with the score on 125 with 10 overs remaining. Coote with his ears ringing with encouragement and incentive from his captain set about his task. The pair batted very well as they took the Brentwood score to a respectable total of 181 for 5. Morgan finishing with 62 and Coote 32, both not out.
GP&R got off to a steady start, although they too found run scoring very difficult. The opening Brentwood seam bowlers bowled well without making the required breakthrough. Captain Lingwood brought into the attack 3rd XI debutant, 13 year old off spinner Tim Barbone. His impact was felt instantly as his rare combination of accuracy, flight and spin made life very difficult for the GP&R batsmen. Barbone was soon to get his reward as wickets began to fall at regular intervals. Only M. Burch was able to hold fast for the visitors.
With leg spinner Paul Webb operating from the opposite end to Barbone, GP&R were behind the run rate and the game was in the balance. Brentwood's problem however was that although scoring was restricted and wickets were falling to Barbone they were bowling their overs very quickly. Brentwood were in fact to bowl a total of 54 overs by the end.
Barbone is a product of Brentwood School and Brentwood CC's excellent colts set up. He showed great maturity and skill in his bowling, GP&R had no answer as Barbone went on to produce the quite excellent figures of 22 overs, 5 maidens, 7 wickets for 59 runs. His future in cricket is assured providing his application and enthusiasm remain.
For Brentwood to win they needed to take the wicket of Burch who was putting together a substantial innings. With a last throw of the dice Lingwood brought back seamer Peter Bainbridge, regrettably the move did not have the desired effect as the extra pace enabled Burch in particular to find gaps in the field. With one over to go Burch reached his century with the games winning shot, as GP&R reached the total required with the loss of Barbone's 7 wickets.
This was a very good match played between two evenly matched sides in an excellent spirit.
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29th May
Upminster 3rd XI - 162 all out
Brentwood 3rd XI - 164-4
Brentwood won by 6 wickets
Upminster CC Match Report - link to the Upminster CC web site
Report by Paul Webb
Brentwood travelled to Upminster with a much changed side but with high hopes of a positive result with the blend of youth and experience that has served them so well in the past. With usual captain Ken Lingwood promoted to the second XI, Trevor Coote stood in and immediately succeeded where Lingwood had failed thus far this season, and on winning the toss invited his opponents to bat first.
This move appeared to pay off as the first wicket fell early courtesy of a sensational low, diving, one handed catch by Coote, belying his somewhat unathletic frame. As wickets continued to fall, so the run rate went the same way as the youthful Ash Patel and Tony Prior kept a tight line and length and the Upminster batsmen showed a reluctance to play any shots but merely tested the effectiveness of their pads. As the innings approached the 52nd over and the batting side would usually be looking at a declaration it was clear that Brentwood would have to bowl their opposition out. Prior was brought back into the attack for his third spell and resulted in the final three wickets, including two catches from Paul Webb, one of which a particularly sharp catch at silly point, and the second to claim the final wicket, much to the relief of his team-mates. Upminster had batted for 64 overs for just 162 runs.
Slightly dis-spirited, Brentwood started their reply with Roger Mahadeo and Neil Wickes both playing considerably more shots than their opposition had. Wickes was first to go having played one shot too many and Mahadeo went the same way shortly after for a well constructed 37. Tom Childs was then joined at the crease by his father, Dave, and the two batted sensibly together, dispensing the frequent bad ball across the lush outfield and over the boundary. The result never really seemed in doubt once the final twenty overs started and despite Tom Childs and Rohan Sivapalan losing their wickets, the target was reached with 5 overs to spare as Joe Surtees hit the winning runs with two fine fours.
Brentwood thoroughly deserved the win for remaining so positive despite their opponents negativity. Next week they travel to Woodford Wells.
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5th June
Woodford Wells 3rd XI - 300-4 declared
Brentwood 3rd XI - 304-6
Brentwood won by 4 wickets
Report by Ken Lingwood
Second placed Brentwood travelled to Woodford Wells hoping to continue their good start to the season. As ever the Wells had produced an excellent track and aided by the short and fast outfield promised to be deliver a runfest.
Brentwood won the toss and elected to field. The Wells openers Cyril Hickson and Langrish-Smith got off to a steady start in the face of a tight opening attack of Brentwood's Haran Sivapalan and Mick Payne. Payne was to make the first breakthrough by bowling Langrish-Smith for 24, with the score on 65 after 14 overs. Brentwood's start improved still further when Payne struck again. The Wells had reached 94 for 2 from 24 overs, which constituted a very good start for the visitors. Brentwood's fielding was of the highest quality, with the high standard set by Tom Childs and Roger Mahadeo. The steadfast Hickson was joined by Captain Tim Caban. By this time Haran and been replaced by 13 year old off spinner Tim Barbone looking to continue his excellent form for the 3rd XI.
The experienced Caban upon seeing the quality of Barbone decided to go on the offensive in an effort to hit Barbone out of the game. Without bowling a bad ball Barbone conceded runs 40 runs in 4 overs, 90% of which came from the bat of Caban. Brentwood's Captain, Ken Lingwood, was determined to keep faith in the quality of Barbone's bowling. It was a gamble that had it failed would have meant to destruction of a young mans confidence and an insurmountable run total. That faith was rewarded as Barbone bowled with a guile and confidence that belied his tender years. It was to the Captains delight that with Caban having raced to 40, Barbone got his man as Caban was pouched by Lingwood at extra cover. Lingwood was ecstatic and Barbone grew a foot taller.
Brentwood fielded extremely well but the good track and short outfield took its toll as the home side accumulated a formidable score. Cyril Hickson was eventually bowled by Payne for 116 in the 46th over. Payne finished with the creditable figures of 17.4 overs 1 maiden 3 wickets for 69. The Wells declared in the 49th over to the surprise of Brentwood with the score on exactly 300.
Brentwood facing a huge task, got off to the required lightning start as openers Roger Mahadeo and Trevor Coote put on 43 in the first 5 overs, before Coote fell for 27. Tom Childs replaced Coote, he and Mahadeo maintained the required rate before falling for 30. Mahadeo went on to make 54 before being stumped. This brought Dave Childs and Ken Lingwood to the crease. For Brentwood to win these two required to put together a substantial partnership, both looked comfortable and moved the score along at the required rate. With 74 needed from the last 10 overs Lingwood fell for 30 in an effort to up the tempo. Providing Childs stayed in Brentwood were in control. He did just that, as he cajoled the young and inexperienced tail.
With 4 overs remaining Brentwood required 33, when Childs exploded into action by smiting the ball to all parts and taking 22 from Waller's last over. The Wells resolve was over as Brentwood reached the total in the last over. Dave Childs finished unbeaten on 126.
This was a most satisfying victory by a Brentwood side in good form and rich in character. This coming weekend sees 2nd place Brentwood play host to South Woodford.
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12th June
Brentwood 3rd XI - 106-4
South Woodford 3rd XI - 105 all out
Brentwood won by 6 wickets
Report by Ken Lingwood
High riding Brentwood 3rd XI played host to South Woodford in what is historically a close hard fought affair.
The toss was won by Brentwood captain Ken Lingwood, they elected to field. Opening bowlers Tony Prior and Peter Bainbridge soon found their line and length and denied the South Woodford batsmen a chance to make easy early runs, the visitors had only made 15 from the first 7 overs before the pressure of Brentwood's bowling and excellent fielding brought about the first wicket..
The run rate stayed low as the overs ticked by, although it took until the 20th over before Brentwood took their second wicket as Ash Patel took the wicket of the resilient opener Stuart Joplin, caught at first slip by Trevor Coote for 46. The writing was now on the wall for South Woodford as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals as Bainbridge ripped the South Woodford middle order out. In doing so he helped himself to his first 5 wicket haul for Brentwood, finishing with the excellent figures of 15 overs 4 maidens 5 wickets for 36 runs.
With Patel continuing his frugal spell from one end the introduction of leg spinner Paul Webb signalled the end for South Woodford as he polished off the tail by taking the final 3 wickets from his 5.4 overs for just 9 runs. The visitors were bowled out for 105 in 40 overs.
The in form Brentwood side took only 32 overs to reach the required total for the loss of 4 wickets. Once again Brentwood 3rd XI produced a thoroughly professional performance. They remain only 1 point behind leaders Wanstead. They look to continue their fine seasons start this coming weekend as they entertain defending Champions Walthamstow.
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19th June
Brentwood 3rd XI - 205-8
Walthamstow 3rd XI - 168 all out
Brentwood won by 37 runs
Report by Ken Lingwood
Second placed Brentwood produced their best all round performance of the season to beat visitors Walthamstow and move to the top of the Premier League.
Brentwood were invited to bat by the visitors, and got off to a steady start with opening batsmen David Smith and Peter Morgan putting on 36 for the first wicket, before Morgan was stuck on his heels and was bowled by Thompson. Smith was soon to follow after looking solid for 25 on his return to Brentwood for his first game of the season. Brooks was to follow very soon after for nought courtesy of some very generous umpiring. This brought Captain Ken Lingwood and Nick Childs together, and they soon set about repairing the early damage. Lingwood in particular feasted on anything loose offered up by the Walthamstow bowlers. Despite dominating the attack he was caught and bowled by Leat for 44. The score was now 122 for 4 in 34 overs. Much responsibility was now passed onto Nick Childs fresh from last weeks 200 not out for the 4th XI. With his skipper gone Childs began to unfurl his full repertoire of shots as he continued to bring the Brentwood score ever closer to the valuable 200 mark. He eventually fell for a splendid 59, as Brentwood declared after 52 overs on 205 for 8 wickets. The total although achieving maximum batting points was 30 runs short of target.
A result for both teams was very much a possibility. Brentwood's opening bowling attack was a mixture of youth and experience. 15 year old Jamie Battu was making his 3rd XI debut following a number of good performances in the 4th XI recently. He operated in tandem with Tony Prior who is at the other end of the age spectrum. It was Battu that made the first breakthrough in his excellent first spell of bowling. Prior too was bowling with his usual accuracy, creating many problems for the batsmen by constantly beating the outside edge and in one case taking the edge for all to see, unfortunately the umpire must have been unsighted. Prior's toil was however to be rewarded with a couple of wickets in his 12 over spell.
Walthamstow were now 29 for 3 after 13 overs as Brentwood turned to their spin duo of Kerry Branson and Paul Webb. Branson has only bowled a handful of overs so far this season. His first over went for 16, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise as the visitors began to harbour thoughts of victory. To his enormous credit Branson displayed great courage in coming back from his start by conceding only 4 runs in the next 4 overs. He was to finish with 2 wickets from a 15 over spell for 71 runs. This will hopefully be the start of a renaissance in Branson's bowling, he certainly has the ability.
Paul Webb created instant pressure that brought 2 wickets in his first 3 overs. He was to finish a commendable spell with 3 wickets from 11 overs for only 36 runs. The game was now all but beyond Walthamstow as Brentwood applied pressure with good fielding and accurate bowling. The home side began to feel victory was in sight, a feeling accentuated by a fantastic run out by Ash Patel, as Costigan foolishly thought that the Essex over 50's star threw the ball like he runs. With an exquisite turn and throw Costigan was run out by a distance. Branson took the 9th wicket with 10 overs of the match remaining. Walthamstow made the hosts work hard for their victory as the last two batsmen defended manfully and repelled all that Brentwood threw at them. With overs running out, Brentwood brought back Battu into the attack, whom with his second ball took the final wicket, the victory and 20 points.
After 7 matches Brentwood are now top of the League by 5 points and travel to second place Wanstead this coming Saturday.
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26th June
Wanstead 3rd XI - 173-4
Brentwood 3rd XI - 172 all out
Wanstead won by 6 wickets
Report by Peter Bainbridge
One week after taking top spot in the Premier League from Wanstead, Brentwood handed it back after a below-par effort.
Wanstead opted to bowl first under grey skies and were rewarded when their normally placid pitch produced extravagant movement off the seam for the accurate opening attack. Brentwood's top order were quickly swept away and at 49 for seven - all bar one of the victims bowled - the visitors were contemplating a very early return home.
Tony Prior and Ash Patel came to the rescue and as the pitch settled down staged a stout resistance, using their wealth of experience to defy the tiring opening bowlers before launching a series of commanding shots against the secondary attack. With Wanstead's early bullishness ebbing away, the pair achieved the notable feat of sharing a stand worth marginally more (98 runs) than their combined ages (96 years) before Prior miscued and was caught at mid-off for 60. Patel continued the good work and when he was last man out in the 49th over, caught on the midwicket boundary for 47, Brentwood had totalled a very respectable 172.
Brentwood failed to capitalise on the old boys' fightback. A tidy opening attack was unable to recreate the new-ball carnage from earlier in the afternoon and the Wanstead first-wicket pair rode their luck, putting on 75 before Patel eked out the breakthrough. Brentwood compounded their difficulties by putting down several chances and despite many indiscreet shots, Wanstead closed in on their target. The wily Patel ensured the match went deep into the last 20 overs with a miserly spell of bowling which brought him the outstanding figures of 14-2-36-4 to go with his batting feat.
Next week Brentwood travel to lowly Harlow hoping to get straight back to winning ways.
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3rd July
Harlow 3rd XI - 135 all out
Brentwood 3rd XI - 139-2
Brentwood won by 8 wickets
Report by Ken Lingwood
Following the previous weeks poor performance, Brentwood travelled to bottom of the table Harlow anxious to get back to winning ways.
Upon winning the toss Brentwood invited their hosts to bat first. Harlow's opening batsmen got off to a good start and took advantage of a dropped caught and bowled by each of Brentwood's opening bowlers.They had made 45 from 12 overs before Peter Bainbridge struck with two wickets in his 7th over. The Harlow run rate began to slide as Brentwood's bowlers and fielders performed well and exerted a good deal of pressure. Bainbridge was to finish with the admirable figures of 10 overs 4 maidens 2 wickets for 21 runs. Yet it was veteran all rounder Tony Prior whom took the plaudits, by removing the heart of Harlow's batting, with a mesmerising display of slow and sometimes medium pace bowling. The inexperienced Harlow middle order had no answer as Prior unleashed his full repertoire of wicket taking deliveries. He was to finish with the excellent figures of 11 overs 1 maiden 5 wickets for 26 runs.
Harlow were bowled out for 135 in 41 overs.
In reply Brentwood's opening partnership of David Smith and Barry Brooks put on 95 before Brooks departed for 24. Smith had immediately found his rhythm and timing as he reached 50 from 47 balls. He was to go on and steer Brentwood to an 8 wicket victory finishing 76 not out, he hit the winning shot with a majestic pull for 6.
This was a fine winning performance from Brentwood that pushes them up to second in the table, leap frogging this weekends opponents Gidea Park and Romford.
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10th July
Gidea Park & Romford 3rd XI - 156-4
Brentwood 3rd XI - 220-6 declared
Match Drawn
Report by Ken Lingwood
Second placed Brentwood visited third placed GPR in this vital Premier League clash. GPR won the toss and elected to field a decision that GPR Captain Gerry Traylor would regret, as rain caused the early finish of an absorbing contest.
Brentwood made a fine start with openers Peter Morgan and Roger Mahadeo, Morgan in particular quickly finding the middle of his bat and the boundary. GPR made their first breakthrough in the 19th over with the score on 69, as Mahadeo was caught for 21. Chris Lawless joined Morgan who had continued in putting together a fine innings. He was eventually to perish for an excellent 70. The score had moved on to 125 from 33 overs. Brentwood Captain Ken Lingwood entered the fray and began to increase the scoring rate. He had hit a flurry of 6's and 4's before being surprisingly bowled for 34. Lawless was soon to follow having made 46. The Brentwood score was 188 for 4 with 7 overs remaining. A score of 240 plus was the target yet the Brentwood middle order were disappointingly unable to capitalise on the foundations set. The visitors declared after 52 overs with a score of 220.
GPR began their innings in a measured manner, keeping at bay Brentwood's opening bowlers Peter Bainbridge and Kevin Bradford, a tactic that although retained wickets, did not take into account the rain which was inevitably to come. Bainbridge in particular was preventing the hosts making the necessary quick start as his first spell of 12 overs went for only 28, he was most unlucky to have only taken the one wicket as he constantly beat the outside of the bat. With the rain clouds gathering and time obviously running out, young Tim Barbone and Tony Prior from the opposite end of the age spectrum were brought into the attack. The home side began to up their scoring rate, GPR's James Patient in particular went on the offensive and brought up his 50. With the score on 156 for 4 wickets the rain came, there were 10 overs of the match to go and GPR required a further 64 runs. The rain was such that any further play was impossible. This close contest between two evenly match sides was drawn, however Brentwood increased their lead over third placed GPR by a further 5 points by achieving more bonus batting points.
This drawn fixture was good news for top of the table Wanstead who avoided the rain to secure a win and stretch their lead over Brentwood to 19 points.
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17th July
Brentwood 3rd XI - 190-9 declared
Upminster 3rd XI - 157 all out
Brentwood won by 33 runs
Report by Ken Lingwood
Brentwood pulled off a tremendous 20 point victory against visitors Upminster. It was yet again the all round strength of this current Brentwood 3rd XI that turned the game.
Half an hour before the start of play Brentwood was hit by a rain storm that although remarkably didn't prevent any loss of match time, made for a very lively wicket. Upminster won the toss and had no hesitation in asking the home side to bat first. The combination of a wet firm pitch, very cloudy and muggy atmospheric conditions and a fine Upminster opening bowling attack, made for a very uncomfortable proposition for the Brentwood batsmen.
It was David Smith and Shane Surujbally that offered firm resistance at the top of the Brentwood batting line up, until Surujbally was caught for 19 off the bowling of M. Ryan. The score was 66 for 2 wickets from 19 overs which represented a good start in the circumstances. Ken Lingwood came to the crease and was soon joined by Barry Brooks as Smith departed for a patient 30. With three wickets down and the Upminster seam attack of M and C Ryan continuing to extract prodigious movement, consolidation was required as Brooks and Lingwood set about their task. With the score on 99 Lingwood disappointingly fell to first change bowler Sissen. He had seen off the excellent spell from C. Ryan which was a good contest as the 4 ball shaped bruises on his chest show.
Brooks and then Kerry Branson soon also departed. Brentwood were in a precarious position at 119 for 6 wickets. Trevor Coote came in at number 7 and with the help of Perry Lawless set about repairing the damage. By now the sleep deprived M. Ryan was well into his marathon spell and was tiring, the earlier cloud cover gave way to blue skies and Coote was in the mood to capitalise. As the outfield began to dry Coote repeatedly found the boundary. At one time Brentwood would have been lucky to have reached 150, yet 200 was looking achievable, whilst Coote and Lawless remained in harness. Coote reached his 50 in bizarre circumstances, he had run 2 to long-on when the fielder inexplicably threw the ball over his own head and the boundary line for a six.
Unfortunately for Brentwood, Coote (51) and Lawless (15) fell to the bowling of M. Ryan within a couple of overs of each other. Ryan was to finish his 26 over spell with 4 wickets for 110 runs. Brentwood closed their innings on 190.
A total of 190 in the earlier conditions was a fine effort, however, didn't look enough as the conditions for batting had improved dramatically. The Upminster opening pair of Nigel Emes and Neil Foss set about their task in a very positive fashion. They had put on 41 from 11 overs before Emes was caught off the bowling of Kevin Bradford. Foss continued to find the boundary on regular occasions. For Brentwood to prosper they needed Foss' wicket. Lingwood turned to the off spin of young Tim Barbone, who of course duly obliged his Captain as he had Foss caught and bowled.
Perry Lawless had been brought out of retirement and into the attack. Following a series of injuries he had decided to remodel his bowling to slow off cutters. However, he simply couldn't resist the seamer friendly conditions and actually bowled quicker than his pre-retirement fare. He got a wicket with the first ball of his second over. He continued to bowl well but for Brentwood to win it was clear that spin bowling was their only chance.
Branson joined Barbone in an all spin attack. Branson instantly joined the party with a wicket in his first over. The pair made scoring difficult as they bowled with a guile beyond their years. Wickets began to fall at regular intervals. The game was drifting away from Upminster as with 20 overs remaining they required a further 78 runs but only had 4 wickets in hand. Despite the valiant efforts of M. Ryan who finished with an unbeaten 29, Upminster were bowled out for 157. Tim Barbone finished with figures of 17 overs 4 maidens 5 wickets for 40 runs. Kerry Branson finished with 10 overs 2 maidens 3 wickets for 43 runs.
This fine victory brought 20 points to Brentwood who are keeping in touch with League leaders Wanstead.
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24th July
Brentwood 3rd XI - 209-5
Woodford Wells 3rd XI - 208-7 declared
Brentwood won by 5 wickets
Report by Ken Lingwood
Second placed Brentwood played host to Woodford Wells at the Drive in Warley.
Brentwood won the toss and invited the Wells to bat. Brentwood's opening bowlers Kevin Bradford and Ash Patel bowled well without any reward until the 14th over, when Cyril Hickson was out LBW to the ancient Ash Patel. The score was 28. The run rate remained low as Bradford completed an unrewarded yet frugal 8 over spell for only 12 runs. When the Wells’ other opener fell clean bowled by Perry Lawless, it brought Captain Tim Caban to the crease, who immediately made his intentions clear. However, no sooner had he got in than he offered up a towering chance that was not taken. He went on to despatch the ball to all parts before falling to the mercurial talents of Patel. The score was now 141 from 38 overs. By now Patel was into his 19th over and remarkably for someone of his advanced years, yet to show any sign of tiring. With Patel going on to bowl throughout, Captain Lingwood was able to have Kerry Branson and debutant Chris Boon bowl their spin from the opposite end.
With Brentwood's sharp fielding and accurate bowling Woodford Wells declared on 208 for 7 wickets from 52 overs, a total which pleased the Brentwood Captain more than his opposite number. Ash Patel completed a marathon spell of 26 overs, 3 maidens, 5 wickets, for 80 runs.
In reply Brentwood got off to a splendid start with Barry Brooks and Nick Childs. They had made 55 from 12 overs before Childs fell for 31. Brooks was joined by Kerry Branson. It was the sign for Brooks to pick up his pace and allow Branson to support him. With Branson looking solid he was unexpectedly out for 12. Ken Lingwood joined Brooks and with Brooks looked to consolidate the Brentwood reply, they had time in hand, it was important not to lose wickets. As their confidence grew both Brooks and Lingwood found the boundary at regular intervals. The body language of the Wells fielders was an indication of the state of the game as Brentwood moved steadfastly towards victory. Brooks reached his 50, yet regrettably gave his wicket away to the tight bowling of Caban. Mark Donkin came in and produced a brief cameo 17. Lingwood was bearing down on his half century as Brentwood required only 5 runs for victory when he fell on 48, LBW to the bowling of Tim Caban and the smoking gun of injured 8th team star Tony Prior.
Brentwood completed their task with 6 overs remaining. This was another fine team performance from a Brentwood outfit rich in form and high in confidence. They find themselves in second place 4 points behind leaders Wanstead. This weekend Brentwood visit South Woodford.
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31st July
South Woodford 3rd XI - 178-9 declared
Brentwood 3rd XI - 182-3
Brentwood won by 7 wickets
Report by Peter Bainbridge
Brentwood maintained their pursuit of the Premier Division title with a clinical defeat of a South Woodford side who had won their three previous matches.
Captain Ken Lingwood's decision to field first during the hottest part of a sweltering day was not entirely popular with his team-mates and not immediately justified as South Woodford's circumspect openers made steady progress against the new ball.
To add to concerns, Lingwood's plan of using his quartet of seamers in short bursts to conserve energy went awry as second-change bowler Perry Lawless broke down in his second over. Brentwood were then temporarily reduced to 10 men by the indisposition, in two spells, of specialist first slip Trevor Coote.
Coote's movements at least coincided with the upsetting of the first-wicket partnership as Peter Bainbridge's off-cutter broke through the experienced Stewart Joplin's defences with the score on 57 in the 18th over. Bainbridge quickly bowled out the new batsman and in tandem with the metronomically accurate Ash Patel ensured South Woodford failed to capitalise on the flat track and short boundary.
South Woodford were looking a long way short of posting a challenging total and from 153-2 in the 41st over they collapsed in spectacular fashion. The length of the tail showed why the top order had been so unwilling to take risks. Patel, after having bowled 26 overs the previous week, was still galloping in at the end of his 19th over, finishing with four for 66, all his victims having come care of his impossible-to-pick slower delivery. Bainbridge, who had only been called up from the fourth team on the morning of the match, will have hoped to have warranted a place for the next fixture by finishing with 5 for 71 from his 24 overs. In difficult conditions, the Brentwood fielding held up under pressure, led by stand-in wicketkeeper Kerry Branson, and Coote's brave return to the field was rewarded when he held on to a sharp chance at slip.
South Woodford, who had declared after 52 overs, opted to open up with the old ball. A young leg-spinner caused immediate difficulties for Nick Childs and David Smith, and when Smith was bowled with the score on 10 in the fifth over, Brentwood's task was seemingly not so straightforward. Chris Lawless, however, swiftly asserted his authority, driving with his customary power and hitting the leg-spinner out of the attack. Childs, who had scored 200 not out on a fourth-team visit to the same ground this season, followed Lawless's lead and the pair brought up the 50 in the 10th over.
As runs continued to flow from the new ball, South Woodford lost all hope and the stand was worth 96 when Lawless made a rare misjudgement and missed a straight one to be dismissed for 54. Childs quickly brought up his own half-century and, understandably feeling invincible on his favourite ground, seemed intent on hitting every ball over the boundary. He was eventually caught off a miscue having taken his aggregate runs at the venue this season to 264. Lingwood, who always bats as if he feels equally invincible, somehow managed to step up the hectic run rate, blazing a succession of boundaries to finish undefeated on 47 and bring up victory in the first of the last 20 overs.
Brentwood had raced to victory in 28.1 overs.
Leaders Wanstead also picked up 18 points to maintain their narrow advantage over Brentwood, who this Saturday travel to Walthamstow.
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7th August
Walthamstow 3rd XI - 146 all out
Brentwood 3rd XI - 147-2
Brentwood won by 8 wickets
Report by Ken Lingwood
Two points off the top of the League, a confident Brentwood side travelled to the Peter May Centre to meet reigning Champions Walthamstow.
On winning the toss the hosts elected to bat in the stifling heat, they got off to a good start by taking advantage of uncharacteristically wayward bowling from Brentwood's opening bowlers. Regrettably, that was the highlight of the day for Walthamstow, as their first wicket fell as Peter Bainbridge found his range with the help of a good catch from Dwight Johnson.
Young off spinner, Tim Barbone was introduced into the attack and immediately found his line and length. In tandem with Bainbridge the pair created many problems for the home side. By now the score was 51 for 3 from 14 overs which represented an excellent Brentwood comeback, as after only 4 overs the hosts had made 31 without loss.
The combination of excellent Brentwood fielding, accurate bowling and a pitch that was breaking up caused Walthamstow to lose wickets on regular occasions. The returning Tony Prior replaced Bainbridge who continued on from last weeks form and was to finish with the commendable figures of 11.4 overs 4 maidens 3 wickets for 33 runs. Prior was at once into his stride and provided his team with another wicket. Barbone was now creating havoc in the Walthamstow middle order. They found the boundary with a few lusty blows but their shot selection was not based upon the merit of the bowling and wickets inevitably fell. Barbone was to take 5 wickets from 16 overs conceding 70 runs. Wathamstow were bowled out for 146 in the 38th over.
The in-form Brentwood batsmen had plenty of time in hand to find the runs required, although had to be watchful of the fast deteriorating pitch and the dangerous leg spin of Shaikh.
Despite the early loss of Brooks, Brentwood made a good start as Nick Childs and Dwight Johnson played well, until Johnson fell for 21. Ken Lingwood joined Childs who soon reached his half century. Whilst looking comfortable the pair were aware that the complexion of the game could change if they were also to fall, as Shaikh was finding prodigious turn. Lingwood and Childs applied themselves to the task of finishing the job without further loss. They slowly and surely reeled the Walthamstow total in and were victorious in the 38th over for the loss of only two wickets. Nick Childs finished on 83 not out to continue his excellent season.
This was a stellar team performance topped off by the efforts of Tim Barbone and Nick Childs. With four games remaining Brentwood are 2 points behind leaders Wanstead, who visit Brentwood this coming weekend in a fixture that will go a long way to deciding the title outcome.
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14th August
Brentwood 3rd XI - 187 all out
Wanstead 3rd XI - 189-4
Wanstead won by 6 wickets
Report by Ken Lingwood
A poor Brentwood batting performance handed Wanstead victory and, without help from others, possibly the Premiership title.
Upon winning the toss in a much delayed start courtesy of the M25, Brentwood elected to bat. The hosts were to lose their first wicket for 27 as Barry Brooks was caught behind. Opening partner Nick Childs was looking in confident mood following his recent good form, but he was also to fall cheaply with the score on 55 after 13 overs. Kerry Branson was joined in the middle by Skipper Ken Lingwood, as they set about repairing the earlier damage in the face of an accurate Wanstead bowling attack.
The pair played with a good deal of patience as they played their team into a strong position, the score had moved along to 112 from 33 overs. Lingwood had begun to play a more expansive game and was looking to dominate, all was going to plan until he was hit on the pads, the Wanstead close fielders leapt and appealed for leg before, then appealed for a run out as the silly mid off hit the stumps, however, their breath was wasted as Lingwood walked knowing that he had been caught having made the faintest of contacts with his bat.
Brentwood were 3 down for 112 and still on top with a powerful middle order to follow. 17 year old Branson had by now reached his maiden 50 for the Club. It was an innings of high quality in difficult conditions, Branson has promised much, he had now delivered, this will hopefully provide the springboard to better things further up the teams.
Regrettably, Branson was caught for 60 and an uncharacteristic collapse ensued as a further 3 wickets fell quickly. With Brentwood's middle order removed Wanstead were into the tail. With 10 overs remaining the score was 152 for 7. Tony Prior and Peter Bainbridge did their best to cover earlier failures with scores of 20 and 19 respectively. But it was too little too late for Brentwood as they were bowled out in the last over for 187.
Although some 50 runs short of ideal, such is the collective will of Brentwood's 3rd XI they felt sure of exerting sufficient pressure on Wanstead's batsmen to ensure a close battle between two evenly matched teams. Brentwood were also advantaged in that the delayed start meant that Wanstead would be batting in fast fading light.
For Brentwood to get anything from the game early wickets were required, yet despite great efforts and many an outside edge, they were not forthcoming, as Peter Bainbridge and Kevin Bradford came close. The first breakthrough came in the 6th over as at last an outside edge went to hand off the bowling of Bainbridge. The next wicket was not to fall until the 18th over courtesy of Tim Barbone clean bowling the attacking Ahmed. Brentwood saw their high rise further when in the next over when veteran Tony Prior also struck in the middle of his fine spell. The score was 82 for 3 in the 19th over. The light was fading fast and Brentwood were fielding and bowling very well. The outcome of the match was very much in the balance.
The momentum generated by Brentwood was dashed by sensible Wanstead middle order batting as they kept up with the required run rate without taking unnecessary risks. The 4th wicket was not taken until the 30th over with the score on 148. Brentwood's only saviour would now be the descending darkness that was enveloping the ground. Wanstead's Captain was aware of this and came to the wicket intent on scoring quickly. It was a gamble that came off as he scored at more than a run a ball to finish 26 not out. Wanstead reached the required total without further loss, with just over 2 overs remaining. For the neutral this was a very absorbing contest between the two best teams in the League, for Brentwood it was a desperate disappointment. The Brentwood Captain was however proud to see the desire and attitude maintained by his charges even in defeat.
With 3 games remaining Brentwood find themselves 13 points behind Wanstead, as they play host this coming weekend to Fives and Heronians.
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21st August
Brentwood 3rd XI - 252-2 declared
Harlow 3rd XI - 115-7
Match Drawn
Report by Ken Lingwood
Brentwood, needing a 20 point win, played host to already relegated Harlow.
Brentwood batted first on a damp wicket that promised to cause early problems, the hosts therefore opened with the experience of Trevor Coote and Captain Ken Lingwood, a decision that was to prove correct as the early swing and seam movement was considerable. This was reflected in the modest run rate. The 20 over mark saw Brentwood reach 79 without loss, the early movement had diminished and it was now time to increase the run rate so as to declare early leaving enough time to bowl Harlow out and secure the all important 20 points.
The first wicket fell in the 31st over with the score on 164. Coote had made a fluent 59 before being bowled by Rundall. Lingwood was by now in full flow as he was joined by Nick Childs. The pair set about the Harlow bowling attack with a vicious display of shotmaking. Lingwood reached his century from 100 balls with 11 fours and 6 sixes. Childs continuing his excellent season was dismissing the bowling to all parts as he made 46 not out from only 27 balls. Lingwood was run out in the 39th over for 111. The innings was declared on 252 from just 39 overs.
With such an early declaration the Harlow opening batsmen had to endure a very awkward 7 overs before tea which they negotiated without loss. After tea the new ball was taken by Brentwood's young opening seam and swing attack of Owen Myers and Iain Smith. Both bowled with pace and accuracy, that allowed the batsmen no quarter. Smith was the first to strike as he clean bowled Harlow's Captain for 0.
Although Brentwood were bowling very well it became clear that Harlow's ambition was limited in the extreme as they defended all that was thrown at them. Defence is an admirable quality that the Harlow middle order displayed, in fact a couple of the young middle order batsmen showed great character in the face of good bowling and intimidating field placement. What was not admirable were a couple of appalling umpiring decisions that denied the Brentwood attack a couple of wickets and necessary impetus. They were regrettable incidents as the young umpires were only following their captains instructions, it soured an otherwise excellent Harlow rearguard performance.
As Brentwood toiled, wickets were difficult to come by. Brentwood were to bowl in all 54 overs, yet were unable to secure victory by bowling Harlow out as they finished on 115 for 7, therefore drawing the match. Harlow's total lack of ambition may have saved defeat but also meant that they walked away from the match without any points or pride. Their relegation will not be mourned. The pick of the Brentwood bowlers was Tony Prior who finished an 11 over spell with one wicket for only 10 runs.
This result and others ends Brentwood's title aspirations. This coming weekend sees Brentwood play at home to Fives and Heronians.
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28th August
Brentwood 3rd XI - 219-8 declared
Fives and Heronians 3rd XI - 141 all out
Brentwood won by 78 runs
Report by Ken Lingwood
Brentwood won the penultimate game of the season with another excellent all round display against Fives and Heronians.
On a very wet wicket from the weeks deluge, Fives won the toss and invited Brentwood to bat. In form openers Ken Lingwood and Nick Childs played initially with caution as the visitors bowlers extracted a good deal of movement through the air and off the seam. However, once they had adjusted their sights to the conditions the pair began to increase the scoring rate with a flurry of shots. With the score on 67 from 14 overs Lingwood was bowled for 30. The momentum of the Brentwood innings was lost with the fall of the first wicket. The next 20 overs saw only 85 runs as the Brentwood batsmen struggled with the accurate Fives bowling. Despite this, Nick Childs completed a second successive half century and went on to make 78 before being bowled.
Brentwood's total was slowly edging towards the 200 mark with useful contributions from Neil Wickes (32) and debutant Reece Furlong (25). The declaration came after 49 overs with the score on 219 for 8 wickets.
The early declaration gave the visitors an achievable target that was to provide for an entertaining response from the spirited Fives side.
Brentwood struck in the first over through the bowling of Kevin Bradford who had Mackay caught at silly mid off. Bradford was to take a further wicket in his 4th over. It represented a good start for Brentwood who continued to bowl tightly. Wickets fell on regular occasions, although progress was hampered by a number of uncharacteristic spurned chances, in fact six dropped chances in all, mostly from the bowling of Tim Barbone.
The visitors fell behind the required run rate but to their credit continued to play positively in an effort to gain batting points. As the overs slipped by it became clear that Brentwood may be denied victory by their own poor catching ability. In an effort to change the game Lingwood juggled his bowling attack, this had the desired effect as first Deni Mistry struck in a short two over spell by taking the wicket of the highest scorer, opener Allum for 39. Dean Goddard was then introduced to the attack, in his second over he was to take the penultimate Fives wicket, the dangerous Colin Harrod. Then dramatically with his next ball claimed Brentwoods victory as with the help of keeper Wickes he had the last batsman stumped.
Fives were bowled out for 141 in the 50th over. Brentwood guaranteed their second place finish in the Premier league. This coming weekend see them visit West Essex for their last game of the season.
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4th September
West Essex 3rd XI - 231 all out
Brentwood 3rd XI - 273-7 declared
Brentwood won by 42 runs
Report by Ken Lingwood
Brentwood travelled to relegation threatened West Essex for the final game of the season. Upon winning the toss Brentwood's Captain had no hesitation in batting first on the hottest day of the season and in a fixture where the home-side needed to win to stand a chance of staving off relegation. All was therefore set fair for an entertaining fixture.
Brentwood suffered an early set back as they lost opener Dwight Johnson with the score on 13 in the 4th over. It was clear that scoring freely, certainly early on was going to be difficult as the wicket was demonstrating a particularly uneven bounce. Neil Wicks was then joined in the middle by Ken Lingwood and the score moved along to 49 before Lingwood also fell in the 13th over. Reece Furlong came in and promised much with a flurry of positive scoring shots only to be bowled for 22. Wicks was also soon to follow having made a very good 24 and in doing so demonstrated the talent that will see him progress well next season.
Brentwood were in a little trouble at 94 for 4. Someone was required to come in and take the game by the scruff of the neck. So into the fray entered the ever so old yet evergreen Ash Patel, who after a watchful start in conjunction with the other new arrival Ian Smith, began to exact a heavy toll on the West Essex attack. The pair had put on a partnership of 82 before Smith was run out for a splendid 40, the score had now moved to 206 for 6 from 44 overs. Patel continued to punish anything loose with his very own brand of stroke play as he wielded his bat like a light sabre. He eventually fell for an excellent 79. Trevor Coote and veteran Tony Prior completed the Brentwood innings with a number of mighty blows. The innings was declared after 52 overs with the score at 273 for 7.
273 was a big total to chase yet not insurmountable as the wicket had improved dramatically.
After losing 2 early wickets the West Essex numbers 3 and 4 Hicks and Saeed began to cut loose at Brentwood's unusually poor seam attack as only the veteran Prior managed to bowl with any control and consistency, a problem compounded by three missed catch-able chances. Without the removal of this free scoring West Essex pair, Brentwood were in danger of defeat.
A change was required, Captain Lingwood invited the mercurial Patel to bowl his off spin. The result was instant as Patel took the wicket of the very dangerous Saeed with his second ball. Saeed had smashed a remarkable 72 from only 52 balls. With the success of Patel's spin Lingwood was persuaded by Trevor Coote to offer the ball to Dwight Johnson. At first Lingwood assumed that it was a Coote attempt at humour. Nonetheless he went with it. Amazingly Johnson was also to take a wicket in his first over as he had Hicks caught behind for 52. Johnson was embarrassed, Coote was ecstatic and Lingwood amazed.
Patel and Johnson were to break the spirit and the back of the West Essex reply. They went on to take three wickets each. It was Tony Prior that came back to finish the game in the 38th over. West Essex were bowled out for 231 runs and were therefore consigned to relegation from the Premiership.
Brentwood finished runners up to Champions Wanstead. Brentwood have played aggressive and entertaining cricket all season and should be rightly proud of their achievement. In doing so they have nurtured the burgeoning talent within the Club and have seen many colts take a major role in this seasons success.
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