2006 Season 3rd XI Match Reports

20th May

Brentwood 3rd XI - 212-5 in 52 overs
Wanstead 3rd XI - 214-3 in 32 overs
Wanstead won by 7 wickets

Report by Ken Lingwood

Brentwood 3rd XI, having lost the opening game of the season, followed up with back-to-back defeats at Wanstead.

Having lost a very important toss, Brentwood were invited to bat on a poor and saturated wicket that predictably made for difficult batting. To their credit, Brentwood's top order defended stoutly in the biting wind and incessant drizzle. With Chris Lawless in particular playing exceptionally well, given the conditions, he was to finish on 72 not-out, ably assisted by the in-form Alex Priddle with 36.

From their 52 overs Brentwood posted what was thought to be a daunting target and sat down for tea looking forward to a chance of victory.

Wanstead's southern hemisphere top order had different ideas though as they took the Brentwood bowling attack apart. The only glimmer of hope for Brentwood came when veteran seamer David Barbone had Bothma's off stump cartwheeling out of the ground, and proceeded to give himself a hat-trick chance by having Shabbir caught first ball. The hat-trick ball took the edge but just shot out of reach of the despairing gully.

Normal order, however, was soon resumed as Van Rurger joined Bowen and continued to batter the meagre Brentwood attack. The winning runs were courtesy of another towering six in only the 32nd over.

Wanstead with two wins top the Premiership table, Brentwood need to find a finer balance to their side if they are to compete this season.

Brentwood travel to Woodford Wells this coming Saturday.

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Phil Brooks swats a four against Hutton at the OCG - 3rd June 2006

10th June

Brentwood 3rd XI - 101-3
Hornchurch 3rd XI - 100 all out
Brentwood won by 7 wickets

Report by Peter Bainbridge

Brentwood belatedly registered their first win of the Premier League season with a performance that made a mockery of their early-season struggles.

Captain Ken Lingwood won the toss and, showing the professionalism this great club deserves, spurned any idea of vacating to the bar to watch the football by choosing to field first in blistering heat. His eager bowlers were fully behind the decision and while others had their minds on Frankfurt, they set about making life as comfortable for Hornchurch as a Bratwurst on open coals.

The clatter of wickets was partially delayed by two early drops but Joe Surtees refused to let his head go down and took three wickets in an impressive opening spell in which he regularly unsettled the batsmen with lift from just short of a length. The first came courtesy of a scintillating catch from sometime-wicketkeeper Alex Priddle, who showed his supreme athleticism by sprinting 30 yards back from square leg before diving to take a skied top-edge. Surtees added two more wickets in successive deliveries - both bowled - as the batsmen were made to pay for their reluctance to get forward.

Tony Prior, superbly utilising well-deserved early use of the new ball, backed up his junior partner by claiming two victims, using his canny change of pace to outwit his oponents. When Peter Bainbridge chipped in by inducing another poor shot, Hornchurch had slipped to 43 for six. With their ambitions of setting a challenging total curtailed, Hornchurch concentrated on occupation of the crease and their young No 8 showed his older colleagues the merit of playing straight.

The youngster proved an obdurate opponent and was last man out in the 43rd over for 31 having shepherded the total to 100. Surtees, the pick of the bowlers, added a fourth victim in a second spell to finish with four for 40. Bainbridge (three for 24), Prior (two for 17) and Ash Patel (one for 15) shared the workload.

Brentwood made a swift start to overhauling the hugely sub-standard score, with Shane Surujbally in confident mood following his previous week's unbeaten century. The biggest cheer of the afternoon, however, came when opening partner Lingwood nudged a single into the leg side to score what was amazingly his first run of the season.

Careless shots from both openers saw them bowled by a promising 15-year-old who briefly gave Brentwood a scare by reducing them to 25 for two. The in-form Chris Lawless and Priddle steadied the ship with a commanding stand. The heavy-hitting Lawless found himself for once playing a support role as Priddle tucked into the Honchurch attack, crunching a succession of fierce drives through the covers. When he fell for 40, caught in the deep going for another big hit, Brentwood were already on the verge of victory. Lawless (30 not out) and Surtees (seven not out) had the pleasure of guiding Brentwood to victory in the 25th over.

Ken Lingwood in action against Hornchurch at the OCG - 10th June 2006

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24th June

Gidea Park & Romford 3rd XI - 150 all out
Brentwood 3rd XI - 151-5
Brentwood won by 5 wickets

Report by Ken Lingwood

A superb display of fielding from Brentwood laid the foundations to this most valuable of victories.

Having won the toss Brentwood's Ken Lingwood invited their hosts to bat. Peter Bainbridge opened the bowling and in combination with wicketkeeper Barry Brooks set the tone for the day by taking the outside edge of opener Satsangi's bat, Brooks dived full length in front of first slip to snare the chance one handed.

GPR steadied themselves following their early loss, with opening bat Bray making steady progress and new partner Rees finding his feet with a number of expansive drives. The pair put together a century partnership in quick time on a good batting track. The Brentwood Captain rotated his bowlers to stem the tide of runs. Success was immediate, as veteran Ash Patel clean bowled the dangerous Rees for a well made 62. Tony Prior was operating from the opposite end with customary accuracy and an extra yard of pace. (no doubt caused by the news filtering in that Mick Payne had taken another 5 wickets in the 4th XI) He too took a wicket by bowling opener Bray who had compiled an assured 34.

At 118 for the loss of only the one wicket GPR were in the driving seat, but Prior and Patels vital wickets change the complexion of the game. With GPR's middle order exposed, Bainbridge was reintroduced to the attack with devastating results for the home side, as his first over back nearly brought him a hatrick. He was simply unplayable. Brentwood's catching followed suit with Kevin Bradford and Phil Brooks diving to cling on to very sharp chances. Bradford in particular was grateful to get two hands to a ball the would otherwise have broken every bone in his body.

The only GPR resistance was Captain Dave Cobill, 20 (That's runs not age!!), who at number 11 was Bainbridges' 5th victim. His impressive figures were 12 overs, 2 maidens, 5 wickets for 46 runs. Dave Moisan helped Bainbridge mop up the tail with a couple of wickets. GPR's last 9 wickets fell for only 33, leaving Brentwood 152 for victory.

Brentwood's under achieving batsmen got off to a very poor start as 3 quick wickets fell in the first 3 overs with the score at 12. The alarm bells were ringing as GPR went about their task with renewed hope. Time was not an issue, occupation of the crease was. Barry Brooks and Nick Childs began to repair the early damage, until Childs fell for 25. Brooks continuing his vigil was joined by Dave Moisan, fresh from his earlier successful bowling stint. The pair continued to blunt the GPR attack. GPR's earlier enthusiasm gave way to indiscipline with the ball as the extras column filled to overflowing. Their early light hearted banter was replaced by something altogether more unsavoury, which only succeded in toughening the Brentwood resolve as the experienced pair edged closer to victory.

With the job almost complete Moisan let his guard down and fell for a valuable 35. Brooks was joined by Stephen Lennon who produced his own cameo with the shot of the day, 6 over extra cover. Victory was sealed without further loss.

This was an excellent Brentwood victory, that may at last see them play to their undoubted potential. They look to continue their form this coming weekend as they play host to Ardleigh Green.

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Chris Lawless - 10th June 2006

1st July

Ardleigh Green 3rd XI - 211-8
Brentwood 3rd XI - 210 all out
Ardleigh Green won by 1 run

Report by Ken Lingwood

Brentwood lost out in the final over of this tense encounter. An encounter that had all three possible results available at the start of the last over.

Despite other sporting attractions on Saturday afternoon, Brentwood fielded on paper their strongest team of the season so far, regrettably for the home side cricket is played on grass, as they threw away the chance of victory.

Having won the toss, Ardleigh green were invited to bat first. Confidence in the Brentwood ranks was high following the previous weeks bowling and fielding performance, confidence that grew still further after the swift clean bowled wicket of opener Cason by Joe Surtees. What followed was a succession of dropped catches at vital times that allowed the visitors to post an under par yet respectable total of 211. The Brentwood bowling attack worked well despite the inept fielding, the pick of which was 3rd XI debutant Stuart Townson who took 3 late wickets from his spell of 9 overs for only 35 runs.

Brentwood on a good track were confident of over hauling the total set, and although losing their out of form openers were soon back on target with Chris Lawless who was finding the boundary with great regularity. Although scoring well Lawless needed a partner as Brentwood became becalmed mid way through their response as the runs dried up and Brentwood fell dramatically behind the asking rate.

Entering the last 20 overs Brentwood still required a substantial 133 runs as Townson joined Lawless. Both used their experience to take runs where possible and despatch any wayward bowling. The pair got the amount required rate down to something more manageable before both fell in quick succession. Lawless for a majestic 85 and Townson 20. Youngsters Joe Surtees and Alex Priddle came to together with much work still to be done. Their confidence and a flurry of impressive boundries put a great deal of pressure on the Ardleigh Green attack, so much so that they for a couple of overs completely lost their line and length.

Priddle and Surtees had turned the match strongly in favour of the home side. Brentwood now only needed 30 runs from 32 balls. Sensible batting was all that was required now that seemingly, the hard work had been done. Inexplicably following the pairs great efforts and prodigious shotmaking, they both conspired to give their valuable wickets away in appalling fashion.

Brentwood's last two batsmen were Ash Patel and Peter Bainbridge, they played well and with application as they stole singles and twos. With one over remaining, Brentwood required 2 runs and Ardleigh Green required 1 wicket for their respective victories. Bainbridge was watchful to the first two deliveries, but the third saw the ball take an inside edge and clip the outside of leg stump, to bring victory to Ardleigh Green and Mitchell's sixth wicket.

With the season at the halfway point Brentwood are left looking over their shoulder and must look to regain their winning habit of the last few seasons if they wish to avoid a relegation battle.

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8th July

Upminster 3rd XI - 224-9
Brentwood 3rd XI - 145-9
Match Drawn

Report by Ken Lingwood

Brentwood's under achieving 3rd XI were comprehensively outplayed by Upminster. Although narrowly avoiding defeat the low points tally drags Brentwood into a fight at the wrong end of the table.

On winning the toss Upminster opted to bat first on a good Brentwood track. Opening bowlers Kevin Bradford and Peter Bainbridge bowled well but were unable to make an early breakthrough. Captain Lingwood turned to old stagers Tony Prior and Mick Payne for inspiration. He was rewarded instantly as the pair took a wicket apiece in their opening overs. Both bowled with guile and accuracy, with Payne in particular mixing his pace from slow outswingers with even slower outswingers. With Payne and Prior operating in tandem, runs for Upminster dried up, as they were restricted to only 86 runs from the Brentwood pairs collective 26 overs. In that time 5 Upminster wickets were taken as Brentwood caught every chance offered.

T. Langston Upminster's number 6 however remained to shepherd the tail. He batted with increasing confidence and picked holes in the Brentwood field. The homesides catching might have been good but let themselves down by some shoddy ground fielding as Upminster recovered to post a score of 224. T. Langston finishing unbeaten on 65.

With the good wicket that they were presented with, Brentwood were confident of overcoming last weeks disappointment as they took on the challenge.

Despite losing opener Shane Surujbally in the first over, Brentwood made a solid start as debutant Andy Taker and Chris Lawless moved the score along at the required rate. Even when Taker fell for a promising 38, Brentwood still looked favourite as Stuart Townson joined Lawless, who by this time completed a chanceless half century. 113 was required from the last 20 overs, an achievable target with two settled and experienced batsmen at the crease.

Brentwood's plans were ripped up by Langston, who fresh from his 65 proceeded to take the wickets of both Lawless and Townson in his second and third over. The homesides out of form lower middle order and tail were exposed. C. Ryan took advantage as Brentwood collapsed from 112 for 2 with 20 overs to go, to narrowly avoiding defeat as they hung on for a draw at 145 for 9. Ryan was to finish a fine spell with 5 wickets.

Brentwood at the halfway point of the season find themselves 3rd from bottom and must rediscover their form and soon if they are to continue in the top flight.

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15th July

South Woodford 3rd XI - 262-6
Brentwood 3rd XI - 263-3
Brentwood won by 7 wickets

Report by Kevin Bradford

A sensational unbroken fourth wicket stand of 161 led Brentwood to a convincing victory over South Woodford and eased their lingering relegation fears. The blistering partnership between Tony Jones and Gary Jones carried Brentwood home after they had endured a tough time in the field.

Stand-in Captain Trevor Coote won the toss and elected to do the English thing and drag the team into the dirt to join the mad dogs in the scorching afternoon sun. Brentwood's opening attack of David Barbone and Tony Prior steamed in with a conviction that defied their age; and the fact that they were carrying more injuries than are seen in the average A and E department.

The pair bowled tightly, and despite the lack of pace, swing or bounce, the run rate was kept below what would be expected on the fast and small outfield. Neither bowler though was able to make a break-through and South Woodford looked poised to pose a daunting total.

In maintaining the policy of age before beauty, Ash Patel was introduced into the attack. Soon after, a moment of serendipity struck when Patel stumbled across the fact that he could still bowl a line and length ball, and finally took the first wicket with 115 on the board. At the other end, Prior was continuing his marathon opening spell well beyond the first drinks break, until he was eventually replaced by Kevin Bradford in the 33rd over.

Fit and raring to go after his hours of warming up, Bradford worked hard and claimed two wickets, including that of South Woodford's dangerous opener McKenna for 93. Brentwood continued to field well and keep the pressure on the batsmen. Some big hitting by Shirt (69no) pushed the score along, but a late wicket for Barbone and two for Gary Jones meant South Woodford were restricted to 262-6.

Having bowled their overs in quick time, Brentwood had given themselves two hours plus 20 overs to bat and were confident of chasing down the score.

Openers Tom Childs and Tony Jones batted sensibly and took the score onto 52. Childs was the first wicket to fall for 14, and he was soon followed by Steve Lennon (11) and Dave Moisan (13).

Brentwood's fears of a complete middle order collapse were quashed when Gary Jones crashed a cover drive for four off his second ball, and promptly eased into an innings dominated by class and control. Tony Jones too was playing an exquisite array of shots and despite the scare of being caught off a no ball, went on to post a solid half century.

The two namesakes increased the tempo and went about dispatching the lacklustre bowling to all parts of the ground whilst easily maintaining the required run rate.

Tony Jones hit one of the shots of the day to bring up his century and carried his bat to record 129no off just 114 balls. Gary Jones was equally as scintillating, finishing with 73no off 66 balls. It meant Brentwood secured the win by seven wickets with six overs to spare.

The team will be hoping to reaffirm the fact that they are still a force in the league when they take on Wanstead at home in their next match.

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Dave Moisan - 10th June 2006

22nd July

Brentwood 3rd XI - 282-6
Wanstead 3rd XI - 162 all out
Brentwood won by 120 runs

Report by Kevin Bradford

A scintillating display by Brentwood saw them demolish their table topping opposition and claim maximum points.

Wanstead, who were undefeated before Saturday winning eight of their 10 games this season, were made to look distinctly average by a Brentwood team who were exemplary in every aspect of the game.

Returning specialist captain Ken Lingwood loss the toss and was asked to bat in muggy and overcast conditions.

Opening batsmen Phil and Barry Brooks strode confidently to the crease and immediately there were signs that it was going to be a very special afternoon when the latter uncharacteristically flicked his first ball for four.

The pair continued to dominate the Wanstead bowling and in every way kept up with last week's performance by the Jones' by compiling a superb century partnership.

Phil Brooks reached his fifty in 68 balls and looked in prime form before he was caught at gully for 69.

The partnership of 125 had set a solid foundation on which the team could build towards a daunting total.

Steve Lennon joined Brooks at the crease, and with his uncomplicated batting style, maintained the onslaught.

Off just 37 balls, Lennon had caught up his batting partner but fell for 45 with 180 on the board. Anchorman Brooks stayed classy and completed a well deserved half century. His innings was a classic demonstration of patience as well as showing a great deal of balls.

He was again being well supported by a big hitter at the other end, and some lusty blows from in-form Shane Surujbally saw his fifty come in just 37 balls.

When Brooks fell for 64 in the 47th over, Brentwood were 237-3 and looking to push on to a massive score. But the fall of two cheap wickets and then Surujbally for 60 seemed to end hopes of the team reaching 300. However, with Ash Patel literally throwing his bat around and Alex Priddle licking the last ball of the innings into the bush for six, they managed to push the total on to a highly competitive 282 off their 52 overs. V Brentwood took to the field with their stomachs satisfied after another splendid tea, but still harbouring a hunger to experience the sweet taste of victory.

Enthusiasm was further raised when Jamie Battu clean bowled Wanstead dangerman Bothma for 0 in the fourth over.

Peter Bainbridge soon got amongst the wickets when Priddle took the first of his four catches behind the stumps. Brentwood continued to bowl well and Wanstead were reeling on 20-2 off 10 overs.

The introduction of Patel allowed the run rate to increase but a wicket at the other end for Kevin Bradford broke a developing partnership worth 73.

Quizzical glances were exchanged when Dave Moisan was brought into the attack in place of Patel, but it proved an inspirational move as his left-arm yorkers claimed another vital wicket. A further wicket just before the drinks break for Bradford kept Brentwood in charge and left Wanstead requiring a mammoth 162 off the final 20 overs.

The only batting resistance was coming from Bowen, who was just about keeping his side in the game with some well-timed shots.

His departure, thanks to an athletic catch by Battu off the bowling of Bainbridge, cleared the way for the home side to wrap up the win.

The outstanding Battu claimed his second wicked and a run out, leaving Bainbridge (4-49) to clinch the final wicket with 10 overs still remaining.

The sharp slip catch by Lennon was greeted with joyous celebrations on and off the field.

The result moved Brentwood into seventh place but left them feeling that if they had produced this type of display throughout the season, it is they who could well be sitting pretty at the top of the league.

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29th July

Woodford Wells 3rd XI - 304-6
Brentwood 3rd XI - 307-7
Brentwood won by 3 wickets

Report by Ken Lingwood

Brentwood's recent run of fine form continued with victory in a hard fought battle against a Woodford Wells side fighting to hang on to their Premiership status.

Another hot day, a lightning fast outfield, and a good track at Brentwood school promised a runfest. Brentwood and visitors Woodford Wells didn't disappoint. The Wells were invited to bat first by Brentwood's captain Ken Lingwood on winning a vital toss.

Brentwood got off to a fine start as Tony Prior took the wicket of Wells opener Barrett in his first over thanks to a smart catch by Andy Taker at 1st slip. Prior then proceeded to take the second wicket of the day with the help of another fine catch by Brentwood's close catchers. Two wickets may have fallen, nevertheless, the run rate was on a steady upward curve as the Wells reached 104 for 2 from the first 20 overs. The Wells Captain Tim Caban was now batting and set about despatching the Brentwood bowling attack to all parts as he sped to a fine century from only 67 balls, before the impressive Jamie Battu clean bowled him for 101. A few further lusty blows from the Wells middle order saw them reach 304 and with it came the declaration after 50 overs.

304 is a daunting target, yet Brentwood knew that it was an achievable target given conditions and the perceived depth of their batting.

Openers Phil Brooks and Andy Taker got the home side off to an ideal start with a fine opening stand of 156 from only 26 overs before Taker fell 15 short of a well deserved century. Brooks was soon to follow two overs later for 59. Earlier in the season this would have initiated a middle order collapse. Yet such is the homesides growing form and confidence, that Chris Lawless and Stephen Lennon came together and maintained the impressive runrate.

At around the 35th over with the score at 229 for 3 the pitch which had been close to perfect for batting began to visibly break up as in particular Wells slow left armer Charlie Wilce suddenly found some prodigious turn and bounce. He was to take the wickets of first Stephen Lennon and then Shane Surujbally not before they a made both 18 and 24 respectively. It brought Captain Lingwood to the wicket. Lingwood's inexplicable loss of form needed to be reversed if he was to push his side to victory. His form indeed did improve as he doubled his average with his first scoring shot, with his eye in he began to find the boundry, and with Vice Captain Barry Brooks looked to consolidate a move towards the target. By now the scoring rate had slowed as the pitch became ever more difficult as each delivery broke the surface. With 5 overs remaining Brentwood required 25 runs.

The Wells hopes were raised as they took the wickets of Lingwood (18) and Goddard (9) in quick succession, leaving Brentwood 14 runs to get in 3 overs with 3 wickets left. The experienced pair of Barry Brooks and Tony Prior defended well in the face of some spiteful fast turning spin bowling. As the final over was about to start Tony Prior was facing with 2 required for victory. Prior's eyes lit up as the Wells made a bowling change by replacing a dangerous spinner making the best of the conditions with Caban's medium pace. For Prior and his watching team mates it was relief as he despatched the first ball straight back over the bowler for a boundry and with it victory for Brentwood and 18 points. For the Wells, it spelt disappointment as their valiant effort was to no avail, as they remain at the foot of the table. Brentwood now move up to 5th.

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5th August

Brentwood 3rd XI - 240 all out
Hutton 3rd XI - 242-4
Hutton won by 6 wickets

Report by Ken Lingwood

Brentwood's recent run of three consecutive victories was brought to a halt with defeat at the hands of local rivals Hutton.

Brentwood lost a very important toss and were inevitably invited to bat. Brentwood's in form top order were finding it very difficult to cope with the two paced track. As a consequence after 11 overs the visitors were to find themselves 3 wickets down for 54. Opener Phil Brooks however had stood firm and had built the foundations for a big score before he was bowled by slow right arm Shaw for 40. Barry Brooks and Ken Lingwood came together with the score at 78 for 4 after 16 overs, with much recovery work to be done. Runs were at a premium as Hutton's attack, in particular Steve Cotton exploited track conditions to the full. Brooks and Lingwood pushed the score along slowly mindful of the need to retain wickets for later acceleration.

Once set the pair began to play more expansively until Brooks fell for 29. Lingwood was by now in his stride and finding the boundry at will. Stuart Townson joined Lingwood as the score moved in a steep upward curve.

Lingwood was set for a big score and with Townson looked to place a target of close to 300, until Lingwood was caught for 73 at long off. The score had moved onto 208 from 46 overs with 4 wickets in hand. Townson departed for an entertaining 29. Momentum was lost as Brentwood were bowled out in the 52nd over for 240, when 280/300 was needed.

Hutton's reply was steady as they maintained their required run rate against a Brentwood attack that were unable to pose the same problems as their Hutton counterparts. The notable exception was Jamie Battu who was to finish with 3 wickets, as Hutton romped home to the target with 5 overs of the contest left.

Brentwood will look to get back to winning ways this coming Saturday as they play host to Gidea Park and Romford.

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19th August

Ardleigh Green 3rd XI - 163-7
Brentwood 3rd XI - 108-6
Match Drawn

Report by Peter Bainbridge

A below-par performance by Brentwood saw them forced to bat out the last 11 overs to avoid the risk of losing to fellow relegation candidates Ardleigh Green. What seemed likely to be a vital toss went Brentwood's way and they opted to bowl first on a damp wicket.

Tight bowling from the all-seam attack ensured runs were at a premium and with youngsters Tommy Woods, Ed Allen and Jamie Battu picking up wickets, Ardleigh Green slipped to 91 for six by the 38th over.

Battu's stunning diving catch at mid-off had been the highlight of Brentwood's fielding, but sadly there were several lowlights. Ardleigh Green No 5 Marchant was twice dropped off simple chances - on nought and 14 - and went on to hit an unbeaten 56 as he guided Ardleigh Green to the relative prosperity of 163 for seven from 52 overs.

Woods and Battu each finished with two wickets, but Allen's three for 11 from seven overs took the honours.

One short stoppage for rain meant Brentwood's reply was going to be restricted to 40 overs and they made a bad start when Barry Brooks fell without a run on the board. Chris Lawless soon followed but Dave Smith and Sonny Willis put Brentwood back on target, calmly taking the score to 60 before Willis wandered down the wicket and was stumped for 20.

At the start of the final 20 overs, Brentwood were 64 for three and needing five an over, an achievable goal in spite of the slow track and lush outfield. All momentum disappeared however when Smith (30) and Ken Lingwood fell in successive overs.

Dave Moisan and Allen tried to rally the reply only for Allen to be superbly caught at slip with the score at 98 for six with 11 overs remaining. Brentwood captain Lingwood called off the run chase and the game petered out as Trevor Coote and Moisan dead-batted their way to the close.

The result leaves Brentwood fourth from bottom, 14 points above second from bottom Ardleigh Green. On Saturday, Brentwood face another crunch match, this time at third-from-bottom Hornchurch, who won last Saturday to lift themselves out of the relegation places.

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26th August

Brentwood 3rd XI - 252-7
Hornchurch 3rd XI - 256-0
Hornchurch won by 10 wickets

Report by Ken Lingwood

Brentwood Captain Ken Lingwood upon winning the toss had no hesitation in batting first. The script was, post a good score gaining maximum batting points and bowl quickly enough to get the required overs in before rain would come and call a halt to the game. The theory was sound as Brentwood's League position was too precarious to gamble on the weather.

The first part of the plan was achieved as Tony Jones (78) and Steve Lennon (64) put together a splendid partnership. Regrettably, with the pair well set they both fell in quick succession. Momentum was further lost as Ed Nation and Ken Lingwood fell without troubling the scorers. A score approaching 300 should have been achieved yet Brentwood had to settle for 252 for 7 down.

So that was the 8 points in the bag. The second part of the plan was to take a few wickets and prevent a Hornchurch victory. It was a this point that Lingwood's plan fell apart. Firstly, his reading of the weather forecast was about as correct as Michael Fish's reading of a slight breeze prior to the great hurricane of 1987!!!!! The damp seamer friendly pitch dried out, and the outfield became very quick. Secondly, Hornchurch's opening batsmen had the day of their lives.

Both openers were dropped relatively early in their respective innings' to a couple of very straightforward chances at slip and gully. Is was to prove very expensive as the Hornchurch pair went on to gorge themselves on the feast served up by Brentwoods attack. Victory was to come in only 33.4 overs of carnage. The opening batsmen from Hornchurch, Bones and Hodgekiss should be congratulated for their performance in comprehensively taking a strong Brentwood side apart.

With two games to go, the Premier League looks as follows:-

The relegation contenders are :-

• Brentwood who play Hainault and Clayhall then Upminster.
• Hornchurch who play Ardleigh Green then Wanstead.
• Woodford Wells who play Hutton then Gidea Park and Romford.
• Ardleigh Green who play Hornchurch then Hutton.

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2nd September

Brentwood 3rd XI - 189 all out
Hainault & Clayhall 3rd XI - 193-8
Hainault & Clayhall won by 2 wickets

Report by Ken Lingwood

A poor batting performance hands victory to Hainault and Clayhall and leaves Brentwood needing a win this coming weekend to safeguard their Premiership survival.

Brentwood lost a vital toss, were invited to bat and soon found themselves in trouble with the early loss of opener Nick Childs for 3. Phil Brooks and Chris Lawless repaired the damage and moved the score onto 73 from 23 overs, against a good quality Hainault and Clayhall opening attack. They looked well set, they had seen of the new ball and opening bowlers, that required a watchful and disciplined attitude, only for a lapse of concentration from Lawless to see the fall of the second wicket. An all to typical mini collapse ensued as Brooks, Lennon and Lingwood fell in quick succession.

Stuart Townson and Joe Surtees steadied the ship and gave hope to Brentwood in their pursuit of a 200 target. Each made a start but neither managed to find the resilience to carry on and shepherd the tail for an adequate total as both fell for 37. There was no wag from the tail as Brentwood were bowled out for 189 in the 49th over.

With a below par total to defend, Brentwood's bowlers and fielders needed to perform at their best. Peter Bainbridge did as he took the visitors first four wickets in his first five overs. Brentwood were in control and but yet again they let momentum slide with some sloppy work in the field. Hainault and Clayhall's Miah entered the fray and became the recipient of Brentwood's fielding gifts and continued to ride his luck as he constantly swung across the line and collected runs at an alarming rate. He was eventually to become the 5th victim for Bainbridge.

Brentwood now had a chance as Bainbridge took a sixth wicket. Pressure began to take effect as D. Oliver was run out and Paul Webb bowled Sultan. A fine rearguard effort from Brentwood's bowlers failed as the visitors limped home to victory by two wickets. Simply, Brentwood's season long poor batting was the root cause of this defeat.

An improved batting performance from Brentwood III's this Saturday is a must if they are to ensure that Brentwood Cricket Club have four Premiership teams.

With one game to go, the bottom of the Premier League looks as follows:-

The relegation contenders are :-

• Brentwood who play away to Upminster
• Hornchurch who play Champions Wanstead
• Woodford Wells who play Gidea Park and Romford
• Already relegated Ardleigh Green play Hutton

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