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14th May
Brentwood 4th XI - 247-8 declared
Hutton 4th XI - 180 all out
Brentwood won by 67 runs
Report by Neil Webb
Saturday saw the start of the league season in the 4th XI Premier League and pitted Brentwood against Hutton, traditionally two of the super-powers in this division.
A combination of school pressures and the football league play-offs meant the home side were fielding what, on paper, looked an under-strength team and the day began ominously for Brentwood when they lost the toss and were invited to bat first. However, the well-prepared, straw coloured wicket suggested this would be a good track for batting on, and so it proved as Tony Dann set the tone by square cutting the first ball of the season for four. At the other end, his son Chris also began positively and the pair posted 44 for the first wicket before Tony was bowled by Craswell for 12. This didn't affect Chris though, as he continued to play an array of aggressive strokes all around the wicket, bringing up his 50 inside an hour with a straight six. Alex Priddle (18) was also quickly into his stride with a succession of boundaries before a lapse in concentration resulted in an ugly heave across the line and he was bowled by Gareth O'Dell (4-46).
The middle order then crumbled as Brentwood went from 114-1 to 160-6 although Dann didn't appear to be affected as he continued scoring freely, bludgeoning O'Dell for two sixes over long on. Matt Lloyd added an important 17 but when he became O'Dell's 4th victim Brentwood were in trouble of being dismissed well inside their allotted overs. Dann then reached his first ever century for the club but was bowled two balls later, bringing to an end a fabulous innings which suggests great things are to follow from this young man in 2005. His departure, however, left Brentwood on 180-8 with 17 overs still available to them and Hutton hopeful of bowling them out for less than 200. Skipper Neil Webb and Robin Coote then compiled an excellent unbroken 9th wicket partnership of 67 as both played shots those higher in the order would be proud of. This crucial partnership took the game away from Hutton and demoralised the visitors, Webb finishing on 34 not out and Coote unbeaten on 29 allowing the Brentwood captain the luxury of an early declaration on 247-8.
Having seen first hand what a good batting track they were on, Webb decided that slow bowling rather than pace was the key to victory and so took the old ball and opened with his own gentle off spin from one end and Coote's even gentler unique brand of bowling from the other. Nick Watson (65) didn't seem to mind however, as he latched onto anything straying in length heaving it to the leg side boundary. Opening partner Crocker looked less comfortable against the slow bowlers although the pair posted 66 for the first wicket before Crocker lost patience and was bowled by Webb. O'Dell then joined Watson and Hutton moved to 110-1 before Chris Dann, having replaced Coote, forced Watson to hole out to Chris Eaton at cover. This signified the beginning of the end for Hutton as Webb then rattled through the middle order to finish with figures of 5-73 from 23 overs and reduce Hutton to 132-6. Mick Pinkney (3-6), making his debut for the 4th team, then pushed his side closer to victory by picking up three quick wickets including O'Dell (28) caught at the wicket giving Priddle his third victim of the afternoon. Kishore (36 not out) and Morey then looked as though they might frustrate the home side with a last wicket stand of 39 before Webb decided to take the new ball. Three overs later, Andrew Thorpe-Apps (1-24) forced Morey to push at one on his legs and Webb took a sharp catch at short leg to end the Hutton resistance with 7 overs to go, giving Brentwood a deserved victory by 67 runs.
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21st May
Upminster 4th XI - 158-9 declared
Brentwood 4th XI - 161-3
Brentwood won by 7 wickets
Report by Neil Webb
Following the opening day victory over Hutton, Brentwood 4ths made it back-to-back wins on Saturday with a comfortable win against Upminster.
Winning the toss on a damp wicket and with further rain threatening, the home side elected to bowl first in a bid to allow their seamers to take advantage of the difficult conditions early on. This decision paid off as opening bowlers Deni Mistry and veteran David Barbone bowled a tight line and extracted troublesome seam movement from the wicket, making run scoring awkward for the visitors. Mistry (2-16) made the first breakthrough with the score on 6 when he induced a top edge from Jones which was confidently taken by debutant 'keeper Edkins and when he bowled Bray for 20 three overs later, Upminster had lost both their opening batsmen with the score on only 28.
With Barbone's metronomic accuracy giving nothing away at the Merrymead End, Sutton (47) and Jolly sought to consolidate. However, the introduction of Adrian Smith (2-30), returning after three years at University broke the partnership when, after an inauspicious and somewhat wayward beginning, he bowled Jolly and Cully in quick succession, reminding his side what they'd been missing during his absence. Sutton continued to accumulate steadily and he eventually found support from his junior team-mates, firstly Mayor (24) and then Jenkins who looked the most stylish batsman in the side as he made 28 not out. When rain forced a brief interruption, Upminster had passed 100 with still just the 4 wickets down. However, Brentwood captain Neil Webb (3-35) then turned to his spin options, introducing himself from one end and Damian Muncaster (1-33) from the other. As the visitors looked to increase their run rate they lost more wickets with 14-year-old Ed Allen taking two good catches. As the score passed 150, Mick Payne (1-11) bowled Agio-Brew and Upminster declared after their allotted 52 overs on 158-9.
Although chasing a relatively low total, Brentwood's run-chase was unlikely to be a formality as the wicket still offered something for the seamers and Upminster boasted a strong bowling attack. When the home side lost Tony Dann and Rhys Furlong inside the first 5 overs, the game was in the balance. However, David Childs steadied the ship with some typically belligerent shots and, when he was joined by Allen, the pair began to take the initiative away from the bowlers. Allen belied his tender years and stood up to the Upminster hostility, both verbal and physical, as he made an impressive 21 including pulling opening bowler Staples back past his ears for one of his three boundaries.
However, it was Childs who looked the prize wicket as he passed his half-century and continued to score freely all around the ground. When Muncaster replaced Allen there were still over 100 runs needed although time was definitely on the side of the batting team. Muncaster (29 not out) offered solid support to his partner as Childs stepped up another gear and raced his side towards their target. As the partnership passed 100, the only remaining question was whether Childs could reach his century before the victory target was reached. This was answered when he pulled Agio-Brew to the backward square leg boundary to reach a well-deserved 100 and secure the 18 points for Brentwood with 14 overs to spare.
This week, the fourths travel to Ardleigh Green hoping to make it three in a row.
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28th May
Ardleigh Green 4th XI - 175-8 declared
Brentwood 4th XI - 179-5
Brentwood won by 5 wickets
Report by Neil Webb
Brentwood's Fourth Eleven made it three wins out of three on Saturday with an impressive, albeit hard fought, win at Ardleigh Green to consolidate their position at the top of the league and open up a fourteen point gap.
Upon arrival at the Ilford Wanderers rugby ground, the visitors found an outfield more suited to the winter game and it became obvious there would be a lot of running required in this match, both between the wickets and in the field. Brentwood skipper Neil Webb won the toss and invited his hosts to bat first on a sunny yet blustery day that suggested the new ball might swing a bit.
Brentwood's opening attack of David Barbone and Deni Mistry confirmed this belief as they proceeded to bowl as well as they have all season and caused the Ardleigh Green openers Robinson and Bayfield all sorts of problems. Unfortunately, their team-mates totally let them down as they put down chance after chance, grassing a total of eight catches during the innings, all of which should have been held. Robinson was without doubt the major beneficiary of such ineptitude, as he was given an incredible five lives on his way to 36 before eventually picking out David Childs at mid-on who clung onto one at last. With Barbone having no luck whatsoever, he was replaced by Morgan (1-24) who made the first breakthrough by bowling Bayfield for 26. The introduction of Damian Muncaster then swung the game back in the visitors favour as he began an excellent 16 over spell and the batsmen attempted to increase their run rate. Brailey, dropped on 4, rode his luck on his way to 43 before becoming the second of Muncaster's victims in his 5 for 44. With Webb (2-60) also picking up a couple of wickets, Brentwood were able to keep the score in check although a final total of 175 was still likely to pose some problems given the long outfield.
Webb's half time team talk focussed on making amends for the poor fielding and making sure the debts to the team were repaid. However, the run chase began ominously as Mahadeo was dismissed for 8 in the 11th over. Tony Dann, having made a promising 20, followed 3 overs later reducing the visitors to 37 for 2. This brought Dave Childs to the crease and he initially sought to consolidate in partnership with his son Tom. Although the run rate dropped to barely 2 an over, this wasn't a problem since Brentwood had bowled their overs so quickly that they had ample time to play with in the second innings. However, the loss off Tom, Rhys Furlong and Muncaster in quick succession left them on 71-5 and Ardleigh Green had the scent of victory in their nostrils. This brought Brentwood's captain to the middle and he and Childs gradually began to wrestle back the initiative. Impressive spells of bowling from Brailey and Green's skipper Andy Cook (2-25 from 11 overs) were negotiated to the extent that, at the beginning of the last 20 overs, Brentwood needed a further 77, although this was still not a foregone conclusion given the difficulty in run scoring. Childs and Webb batted superbly together though, each taking it in turns to dominate their century partnership as captain and vice captain saw their side home with 7 overs to spare, Childs adding a match winning 78 not out to his century last week and Webb finishing unbeaten on 36.
This weekend, Brentwood host second placed Gidea Park at the Old County Ground.
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4th June
Brentwood 4th XI - 249-7 declared
Gidea Park & Romford 4th XI - 162-6
Match Drawn
Report by Neil Webb
Brentwood went into this game on the back of three straight wins and sitting pretty at the top of the league. Their opponents, runners up last year, had also begun the season well and started the day in second place so this promised to be an exciting contest. Unfortunately however, this proved not to be the case.
Brentwood were once again forced to field a severely under strength side due to holidays and exam pressures. Their captain's mood would've darkened further when he lost the toss and was asked to bat first on a wicket that appeared would assist the seamers early on. Makeshift openers Neil Webb and Tom Childs began circumspectly knowing that they would need to bat well to avoid too much pressure being placed on the rather lengthy tail. However, Childs was bowled by Stuckey (2-55) in just the 4th over meaning more pressure was placed on Webb, the captain, and in-form Dave Childs. The home side shouldn't have worried though, as 59 runs were posted for the second wicket and both batsmen hit their straps right from the start. Webb, having hit four fours and a six then called for a sharp single and was narrowly run out for 28 although Childs continued to latch onto anything loose in his own inimitable style. Chris Eaton made a quick fire 29 including two towering sixes in one over from Bhogal (3-93) as the score moved past 100, but it was after Eaton's dismissal that Childs really began to dominate. Receiving important support from Woodward (13) and Mistry (12), Childs was able to work the ball into the gaps and pick up regular boundaries as he progressed almost inevitably to his second century of the season. When he was eventually dismissed for a majestic 115, Brentwood had already reached 230. A quick cameo from Micky Payne (27 not out) then took the game away from Park before the declaration was made 4 overs early with the score 249-7.
The early declaration meant Gidea Park were likely to receive substantially more overs in return and their reply began promisingly with Kershaw (23) playing aggressively. When Dave Barbone, making a guest appearance in the 4ths after spending part of the early season with the 1st team, trapped Kershaw LBW and bowled Goldsmith with a belter the very next ball, the home side's tails were up. Barbone (2-31) then thought he'd claimed his hat-trick a ball later when Thain appeared to glove one to 'keeper Edkins, although the batsman got the benefit of the doubt, much to the bowler's frustration. At the other end, meanwhile, Collier appeared like a rabbit trapped in headlights as he struggled to play any attacking shots, placing greater pressure on his batting partners. Lloyd (23) and Bhogal (16) perished trying to compensate for their partners' lack of ambition but when they were both dismissed by Hornsby (2-33), Park's hopes of victory effectively evaporated. Still Collier refused to take any initiative although the home side's attacking fields in an attempt to prise him out at least meant he was able to score a few runs. Collier eventually batted throughout his side's 59 over innings for 50 not out and the game petered out to a frustrating draw, Park finishing on 162-6 and Brentwood stretching their lead at the top as they claimed 10 points to their opposition's 5.
Whilst Brentwood will be justifiably frustrated by their opponent's defensive tactics, they will take encouragement from being so dominant with, on paper, such a weakened side. This weekend they travel to newly promoted Hornchurch.
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11th June
Hornchurch 4th XI - 175-8
Brentwood 4th XI - 241-9
Match Drawn
Report by Damian Muncaster
In a keenly fought encounter Brentwood 4th XI found themselves unable to secure maximum points and although taking the game right to the wire eventually had to settle for a winning draw.
After captain Dave Childs inexplicably lost the toss Brentwood were invited bat and the flashing blade of Tony Dann ensured Brentwood got away to a flying start. Dann was enjoying the glasslike outfield and seemed insatiable in his thirst for runs despite Brentwood losing two early wickets to the hard working Hayward.
However this only succeeded in bringing the out of form Childs to the wicket. The maverick Dann then became Childs wingman as Childs despatched 7 of his first 8 deliveries to the boundary. Of course all good things come to an end and Dann eventually departed for a commendable 40. Childs continued unabated and received solid support from the happy-go-lucky Dave Matheson (25) and the belligerent Rob Coote (17).
Childs though was unable to post yet another century as he became the hat trick victim for the Hornchurch medium pacer, to bring to an end yet another pivotal innings. There was still time for Mick Payne and Dave Barbone to fire a late salvo. Payne plundered a quick fire 21 from one end as Barbone was made to dance to the Hornchurch chin music at the other. Brentwood declared on 241-9.
With time against, it was imperative Brentwood made a positive start and this was to be the case. The curvaceous Barbone struck the first blow and was ably supported by the omnipresent Payne as Brentwood were able to claim two early wickets. But the game slowly started to turn in Hornchurch's favour as Brentwood were unable to make any further inroads and a solid partnership was formed.
As the final 20 overs were reached the game was delicately poised. Hornchurch had 8 wickets in hand and needed to score at just over 6 an over. This was Brentwood's cue to up the ante. A superb run out from Alex Priddle, a miraculous catch from a lithe Payne and a tumbling effort from the lissom Dann at mid-on saw Brentwood right back in the game. Hornsby was bowling with venom and a win was now a possibility.
Brentwood continued to support their bowlers superbly in the field as Coote dived low to his left to hold on to the catch that left Hornchurch 7 wickets down. Alas, despite a further caught and bowled from Payne who ended with an admirable 4 wicket haul Brentwood were unable to take the final two wickets that would have secured a deserved victory.
A game played in good spirit allowed Brentwood to cement their place at the top of the league although it did leave a tinge of what might have been.
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18th June
Brentwood 4th XI - 186-6 declared
Horndon-on-the-Hill 4th XI - 190-6
Horndon-on-the-Hill won by 4 wickets
Report by Neil Webb
The Fourth team's excellent start to the season was brought to an abrupt halt on Saturday as they crashed to their first defeat of the campaign at the hands of bottom-of-the-table Horndon. Brentwood lost the toss and were put in by their hosts on a wicket that didn't appear particularly well acquainted with a lawnmower. Both teams were fielding under-strength sides, ravaged by unavailability in higher teams although, as it turned out, it was Brentwood's bowling and fielding that suffered the most as a result.
Brentwood's innings began positively with openers Tony Dann (13) and David Matheson (22) coping well with the seamer-friendly conditions. When Dann was out, Alex Priddle joined Matheson in the middle and the pair added 50 for the second wicket with Priddle being uncharacteristically dominant on his way to a lifetime best 61. However the innings stuttered a little half way through as Matheson and the in-form Dave Childs fell in quick succession, leaving Brentwood on 126-4. After Priddle's dismissal, Trevor Coote (42 not out) steadied the ship and brief cameos from Neil Webb (21) and 14 year old Matt Loman (11 not out) allowed the visitors to progress to 186-6 whereupon Webb made a very aggressive and positive declaration five overs early, setting Horndon a very reachable target given that they were sure to receive more overs in return.
Unfortunately for the Brentwood skipper, his strike bowlers somewhat let him down as Horndon openers Ian Joyce (24) and Pryor raced to 48 inside the first 10 overs. A double bowling change wrestled back some of the initiative for Brentwood though, as Webb (2-44 from 20 overs) and Rob Coote (3-26 from 11) were eventually able to create a bit of pressure on the batsmen and Coote's three quick wickets had Horndon stumbling on 70-4. Pryor held things together however as he took advantage of the wayward bowling from Brentwood's support bowlers and the fast outfield to move past his half century, receiving good support from Greenwood (17). Soon after reaching his fifty, Pryor survived a simple chance to cover point and this was to prove fatal for Brentwood as he was able to work the ball around and pick up regular boundaries as the home side closed in on their target. Valuable contributions from Joyce Jnr and Clark (15 not out) allowed Horndon to reach their target with three wickets in hand in the last over, with Pryor finishing on 96 not out.
Whilst Brentwood remain top of the league, certain areas need to improve if they are to be there at the end of the season.
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25th June
Wanstead 4th XI - 177 all out
Brentwood 4th XI - 178-6
Brentwood won by 4 wickets
Report by Neil Webb
A youthful Brentwood 4ths consolidated their position at the top of the table with a hard fought victory over a talented Wanstead side. In a game in which the initiative fluctuated from one side to the other, it was the outstanding individual contribution of Tony Dann which eventually swung the game in Brentwood's favour for good.
Opener Dann carried his bat for 99 not out, and with Brentwood teetering on the brink of defeat at 23-4 chasing 177, the innings was all the more laudable.
Earlier in the day Brentwood had been invited to bowl and as was the case the night before conditions were looking damp and moist at the county ground. Opening bowler Barbone, also taking his lead from Friday evening was probing and penetrating. He claimed two Wanstead victims in his industrious 13 over spell.
Despite this Wanstead scored runs at high tempo and with useful contributions from Palmer Singh and Sprong looked to be on there way to posting a decisive total. But during each phase of the game that Wanstead looked to be gaining the upper hand Brentwood would respond with a wicket, the mercurial Payne was again not far from the action bagging 3 wickets and was ably supported by Coote (2-45).
It must also be noted that, as would have been expected of such an athletic Brentwood XI, the fielding was out of the top draw and 9 of the wickets to fall were to catches of which Webb claimed two in an almost Collingwoodesque manner. Brentwood were even able to compensate for the injured Barbone who for the first time in many years felt a stiffening in his groin during the later stages of the innings.
The scoring rate still remained high for Wanstead but with regular wicket falling it was left to John Morgan to bring the Wanstead innings to its conclusion. Morgan removed the dangerous Baldwin (21) and then claimed the final two wickets with minimum fuss and maximum efficiency. Leaving Wanstead 177 a/o.
As mentioned earlier Brentwood could not have got off to a more ponderous start. In the face of a hostile opening salvo from the Wanstead bowlers Brentwood suddenly found themselves 7-3 and then 23-4 and in total disarray. But Dann was unperturbed and once he found a willing ally in Webb, the flashing blade of Dann was soon on display. Boundaries began to flow, with the dashing cover drive and trademark scamper between the wickets in evidence the Wanstead bowlers began to wane.
But then Webb was caught out after a pugnacious 22 and at 78-5 new life was breathed into the Wanstead attack. But the in form Muncaster was in no mood to relinquish his wicket and set about supporting Dann as he continued to satisfy his voracious appetite for runs .
The game was now slipping away from Wanstead as the pair compiled a 77 run partnership and for the first time in the match the pendulum had swung firmly in Brentwood's favour. Muncaster eventually perished lbw with the score on 155, allowing Morgan to enter the fray and comfortably see the side home to victory by 4 wickets, watching on as Dann secured victory with a towering 6 over square leg.
Overall Brentwood will be delighted to have won this game from such a precarious position and a decent fielding performance also bodes well for future weeks. This young side has bags of potential and the hope will be that one day a few of this side will go on to emulate Barbone and become fully fledged first team players.
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2nd July
South Woodford 4th XI - 156 all out
Brentwood won
Report by Neil Webb
Despite seeing their bowling attack decimated by the call up of opening bowler Dave Barbone to the first team, Brentwood registered a solid if unspectacular victory at home to South Woodford on Saturday.
The gloomy mood felt at Barbone's loss was reflected in the gloomy overcast conditions as South Woodford looked to capitalise on the under-strength attack and decided to bat first.
It was a circumspect, cagey start to proceedings as both sides looked to feel each other out (another aspect of the game in which Barbone was missed). Myers, the less fortunate sibling, produced an aggressive yet wicketless opening spell and the Woodford openers negotiated the Brentwood new ball with caution but relative ease.
As so often this season, when the captain was in need of inspiration it came in the shape of Micky Payne. All rounder Payne was introduced in the attack and with immediate effect. Within two balls he had removed the Woodford opener and after an opening stand of 44, Brentwood were back in the game.
Payne, bowling in tandem with the evergreen Morgan then got stuck into the Woodford top order and left them reeling at 69-4. Payne performed with gay abandon in his 6 over spell and ended with figures of 3-28. Morgan, who bowled with a similar joie d' vivre, finished with 1 for 33 from his eight overs.
Woodford though were not taking this lying down and started to stage a fight back. The scoreboard began to tick over, confidence began to flow and Brentwood realised this was to be no walk in the park. At this point Webb threw the ball to Muncaster and with more spin than Alistair Campbell, allied to the kind of charm that makes husbands jealous, the Woodford revival was stopped dead in its tracks. Muncaster finished with 3 for 33 and was ably supported by Webb who took the final two wickets with his now infamous 'doosra' deliveries.
South Woodford had been bowled out for 156. It was competent work by the Brentwood boys and the team deserved an over indulgent tea as Live8 played out in the background.
With a strong batting line up this kind of total should have a mere formality for Brentwood and, but for a touch of over confidence, so it proved. Lothario Barry Brooks was looking solid until adjudged to be lbw early on (hawkeye proved to be inconclusive) and Dann unfortunately was the not the man this week, still creaking from last week's heroics he managed to reach 21, although it must be noted that this was in spite of his fourth, tea time, blood transfusion of the season.
The Childs brothers were now brought to the crease and started to take the game away from Woodford until N Childs then played a rather limp-wristed effort to mid off and he was back in the pavilion for 18.
The youngest of the Childs brothers, David now entered the fray and, under the careful guidance of Tom Childs, they produced the most significant partnership of the match. Brentwood were now on the brink of victory, unfortunately Tom Childs perished, clean bowled for 36 and it was left to Mark Donkin and his contemporary attire to see Brentwood home with a couple of lusty blows.
It was a case of job done for the Brentwood 4th team that leaves the side sitting pretty at the top of the table. Some would say he was more Peters and Lee rather than Brett Lee, but with the return of strike bowler Barbone next week, Brentwood's season can only get better.
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9th July
Walthamstow 4th XI - 101 all out
Brentwood 4th XI - 105-1
Brentwood won by 9 wickets
Report by Neil Webb
Brentwood retained their stronghold at the top of the division with a resounding 9 wicket victory away to reigning champions Walthamstow at the weekend.
This was a ruthless display from Brentwood as they simply overpowered their voluble hosts. 'Stow won the toss and in what at the time seemed to be a strange decision, decided to bat first on a minefield of a pitch. And so it proved as the Brentwood opening attack tore into the diminutive Stow batsmen. Dave Barbone was tormentor in chief, the eagerness of youth combined with a man in peak physical condition was too much for 'Stow as he claimed two early scalps.
He was well supported by the luckless Jamie Battu as Brentwood stamped their authority on the game. A lull in proceedings saw the irrepressible Micky Payne called into the attack and it wasn't long before he made his mark. It was tough going for the stow batsmen and only the elegant Del Alexander (32) was able to bat with any kind of fluidity.
Payne was taking wickets at regular intervals by which time Barbone had removed his sweater to keep totally abreast of the situation. The pressure on the Stow batsmen was building, and desperation was apparent in their quest to post a respectable score. This was seized upon as the Stow batsmen attempted a suicidal second run to the evergreen Barbone at fine leg who, having fumbled his first attempt at gathering, then recovered and fired in an exocet of a throw whereby Ed Allen did the rest. Payne then should have completed his first five wicket haul of the season, but two routine catches were grassed at first slip in consecutive overs by a red-faced Rob Coote, much to the amusement of his team-mates. In the end, Walthamstow finished with 101 as Payne ended with 4-40 and skipper Neil Webb 3-7 after a destructive cameo to demolish the Stow tail.
After the luxurious tea, Brentwood set about the job of knocking off the runs with the minimum fuss possible. John Morgan and Dave Berry, decked resplendent in his pristine white head attire, opened the batting and set about the task in a forthright manner. As the shine began to fade on the ball and with the sun now firmly on their backs, the runs flowed. Berry was dismissed for 18 but this only meant that Tom Childs had the opportunity to show the form that he was in and with Morgan growing ever more expansive the result was never in doubt.
The target was reached with ease, Morgan ending up with a serene 35 n/o and Childs 26n/o. Another victory for Brentwood was welcomed and consolidates their position at the top of the table although greater challenges surely lie ahead.
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16th July
Hutton 4th XI - 254-5 declared
Brentwood 4th XI - 258-8
Brentwood won by 2 wickets
Report by Neil Webb
Brentwood took the short journey to The Polo Field to find their hosts in an unfamiliar position of instead of challenging for honours in danger of relegation. After stand in skipper Coote called correctly at the toss Hutton were inserted and soon set off a good rate against the opening pairing of Bradford and Barbone. In particular Watson was savage on anything short of length. The introduction of Dawes brought the break through when O'Dell was caught by Matheson for 35. The introduction of Chris Boon Jnr brought almost instant rewards when he bowled Watson for a typically belligerent 65. Boon then continued to pick up wickets with his leg spin and he was well supported by James Woodward. These two bowled the last 16 overs of the innings which saw Hutton declaring after 52 overs on 254 with Harris and Patel ending on 43 and 35 not out respectively. Boon finished with figures 4-80 off 16 overs.
Brentwood's reply started with Tony Dann batting in his own inevitable fashion. Matheson was the first to fall to skipper Swanton's bowling. This brought Barry Brooks to join Dann and Brooks soon got his trademark square cut working. These two kept the scoreboard moving until with the score on 103 Dann fell caught and bowled to Patel having just completed his 50. Boon fell shortly afterwards to the same bowler. Following a mix up Brooks was run out one short of an excellent 50. At the start of the last hour the game was finely balanced with Brentwood needing 124 runs and Hutton needing 6 wickets. However in Brentwood's favour was the fact that Ian Dawes was striking the ball cleanly. With support from Coote (19) and Haran (12) Brentwood kept in the chase. With 40 needed with 7 overs left Bradford joined Dawes. This was the signal for Dawes to really open his shoulders. As tiredness set in he made the decision that the best chance of victory lay in him smashing boundaries. O'Dell and Swanton bore the brunt of the assault and much to the pleasure of absent skipper Webb, who was receiving a ball by ball commentary of the proceedings; victory was achieved off the first ball of the penultimate over. Dawes finished with a superb 83 not out and Bradford 9 not out. All in all this was a fantastic game played on an excellent pitch and in a good spirit.
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23rd July
Upminster 4th XI - 163 all out
Brentwood 4th XI - 165-5
Brentwood won by 5 wickets
Report by Neil Webb
Brentwood continued their dominance of the 4th XI Premier League on Saturday with a comfortable win by five wickets over bottom-of-the-table Upminster as they stretched their winning streak to 5 games.
Under overcast skies, Brentwood skipper Neil Webb was pleased to win the toss and promptly invited his hosts to bat first. However, it was the home side who made the more positive start to the game as White and Langston (48) latched onto anything straying in line and length and raced to an opening partnership of 43 inside the first 7 overs. Nevertheless, Brentwood's new ball attack of Jamie Battu (1-26) and Ewan McCallum (1-48) stuck to their task well and it was Battu who made the initial breakthrough, bowling White for 26. This brought U's skipper Chris Cully to the crease and he continued the aggressive approach as boundaries continued to flow and the score moved onto 82 from 12 overs. The match then began to turn however as this was the cue for the Brentwood captain to introduce the sprightly Tony Prior, making his Fourth Team debut who, belying his advancing years marked his introduction with an excellent outswinger which Cully edged and was well caught by Damian Muncaster at second slip. With John Morgan (1-18 from 9 overs) giving nothing away at the other end, Prior was able to pick up wickets at regular intervals as the Upminster batsmen struggled to cope with the prodigious swing and he ripped through the middle order on his way to season-best figures of 5-50, the fifth coming as a result of an excellent catch by 'keeper Chris Edkins. Despite resistance from Chiverton (17 not out) and Limm (17), the Upminster innings was then wrapped up quickly by off-spinner Neil Webb (2-3), leaving Brentwood a target of 164 to win.
With light rain now falling, the Upminster bowlers would benefit from a lively wicket and Brentwood's run chase was unlikely to prove a formality. This was underlined when David Matheson was snared at slip off the bowling of Hammond in just the fourth over, bringing Shane Surujbally to the wicket. However, the outfield remained quick and Tony Dann was able to hit regular boundaries, moving to 24 without bothering to run at all. White then accounted for Dann and Ed Allen in quick succession and, at 60-3, Brentwood were under a bit of pressure and Upminster's tails were up. The good news for the visitors was that Surujbally was looking to be back on top form after a torrid season and when Webb joined him, the pair set about repairing the damage. The score moved onto 118 with both batsmen looking untroubled until Webb, having hit consecutive boundaries, smashed a full toss to backward point and was well caught for 19. Surujbally remained unperturbed however and, with his confidence growing by the minute, moved to a well-deserved half-century as Brentwood closed in on their target. Despite losing Muncaster cheaply, Surujbally ensured the result was never in doubt and celebrated his return to form by taking 15 off one over from Hammond. The following over, Morgan's flashing blade sent the ball to the boundary one last time and victory and 18 points belonged to Brentwood.
This victory secures Brentwood's position at the top of the league and stretches the gap to 29 points. This weekend they play Ardleigh Green who themselves are in second place in a match that may well go some way to determining the destination of this year's Premier League title.
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30th July
Ardleigh Green 4th XI - 257
Brentwood 4th XI - 64-4
Match Abandoned
Report by Damian Muncaster
A torrential downpour left Ardleigh Green frustrated and Brentwood relived as it was a case of 4pts each and match abandoned at the Heseltine pitch on Saturday.
Ardleigh Green, second to Brentwood in the table , had manoeuvred themselves into a commanding position before rain called an abrupt halt to the Brentwood innings. Chasing an imposing total of 257, Brentwood were left reeling on 64-4 as Pruscino claimed all 4 victims in a devastating opening spell.
Earlier in proceedings the game began in a cautious mood. Brentwood's opening pair Bradford and Barbone bowled an unyielding line and the Ardleigh batsmen began in guarded fashion. Barbone whose bowling was a tight as his jumper made the first breakthrough, a destructive late inswinging yorker. Whitehall take note.
Ardleigh then took the game to Brentwood and began making full use of the rapid outfield and just as it looked Brentwood were to be blown away like a Brazilian illegal at a tube platform it was Payne to the rescue. Payne removed the dangerous number 3 with a caught and bowled that displayed the kind of athleticism that just has to keep the missus happy on a Saturday night.
Ardleigh then resumed their cautious approach as Coote and Barbone combined to stifle the opposition batsmen during the middle section of the innings, but with wickets in hand, Ardleigh found themselves in the ideal position to launch a late attack for runs. And so it proved, the Ardleigh opener was supported by K. Bailey as both comfortably passed fifty.
Although this partnership was broken by a diving catch on the boundary reminiscent of Damien Martyn by T. Dann, (although it has to be said his previous attempt was closer to Steve Martin) runs still continued to flow. Tom Childs then took his first ever catch ... ever, Ed Allen produced a decent spell in what was a difficult time to bowl to finish with 2 wickets and Bradford returned to enthusiastically claim a late wicket.
Ardleigh had posted a commanding 256-6 and a decent start was going to be vital if Brentwood were to chase down the runs. Unfortunately this wasn't the case, Brooks nicked one to keeper, Dann's flashing blade stayed firmly in its holder as he was undone by movement off the seam and Tom Childs, setting a poor example to his younger brother David, was clean bowled.
Allen and Childs then started to get to grips with innings. The disco feet of D. Childs started moving and Allen's clean hitting came to the fore. Then came the rain with Ardleigh definitely in the driving seat, but as we know with Childs at the crease in full samba mode a Brentwood victory is never out of the question. It was not to be however and 4pts gained means Brentwood remain top and visit GPR next week eager to return to winning ways.
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6th August
Gidea Park & Romford 4th XI - 166 all out
Brentwood 4th XI - 170-1
Brentwood won by 9 wickets
Report by Damian Muncaster
A super-charged Shane Surujbally saw Brentwood power home to a 9 wicket victory against Gidea Park & Romford 4ths on Saturday.
If only his maths had been as decisive as his shot selection a first century of the season would have been well and truly in the locker. As it was Surujbally was stuck on 99 not out at the end of a belligerent display of hitting in what was a welcome return to form.
Although Brentwood cruised to victory, earlier in the day things had not started as planned. GPR won the toss and elected to bat and the decision seemed justified as they raced away to an impressive start. Opener and home captain Chris Webber (71) looked in fine form as the Brentwood bowlers conceded boundaries aplenty. Jamie Battu (1-33) did account for one of the GPR openers, a reminder of the enduring agility of Barry Brooks behind the stumps as he snaffled the inside edge. Overall though Brentwood seemed to pining for their talisman, the bouncing Barbone, who was absent due to yet another repetitive strain injury.
As the runs flowed, the fielding became looser than a single mum from Southend at a wedding ... in Wales. Star performer Payne could not have been feeling himself as he produced a rather friendly spell of bowling, although he did manage to bowl a rather agitated Bhogal for a second ball duck, which resulted in square leg being forced to duck himself, as the batsmen hurled his bat repeatedly in no particular direction.
Despite this, captain Webb was simmering with anger at the unprofessional events unfolding before him and let his team know with a ferocious verbal assault that left the team in no doubt of what was required and his nipples fully erect.
Webb, leading by example, brought himself and Boon into the attack and this two pronged spin offensive put the game firmly back in Brentwood's favour.
With more varieties than Heinz, Boon (3-26) was too much for the GPR middle order and claimed 3 victims although one owed much to Dave Swayze's tumbling catch at mid off. Webb (5-39) at the other end teased and tantalized his opponents and also bowled a decent spell of off-spin. With support from Battu in the field who took 2 catches, Webb finished with 5 wickets, sealing a triumphant return to action.
GPR had been bowled out for 166 and after such a promising start would have been disappointed as the total looked well within Brentwood's grasp.
And so it proved. Surujbally and Tony Dann opened the innings and almost immediately took the game away from GPR. Surujbally got off to the more fluent start, but it didn't take long for Dann to find his range and for the blade to cut the field to ribbons. With both batsmen trading almost exclusively in boundaries, the only moment to hinder their progress occurred when Dann was issued an ASBO for destroying a residents green house with a towering six hit into the neighbouring housing estate.
Dann though, did perish just short of his half century but by this stage the game had been won and all that was left was to see if Surujbally could achieve his century. Unfortunately though, with Childs and Surujbally scratching their heads between overs in attempt to secure the ton, (for a moment it looked as Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne were at the crease) it was, however, not to be. A comprehensive victory nonetheless and, as the season reaches the home straight, surely Brentwood cannot now be caught.
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13th August
Hornchurch 4th XI - 237-7
Brentwood 4th XI - 217-4
Match Drawn
Report by Neil Webb
Whilst 2005 has seen the much-lauded progression of the products of Brentwood's spin factory, the future also looks rosy in the batting department as Saturday witnessed two sparkling innings' from a pair of Under 16 batsmen which very nearly carried the 4's to an unlikely victory.
16-year-old Jack Anderson's unbeaten 68 and 14 year old Ed Allen's belligerent 62 took their side to the brink of a thrilling run chase which, had the rain not robbed the home side of several overs earlier in the day, may have resulted in maximum points for their team.
Under blue skies but conscious of a gloomy forecast for later in the afternoon, Hornchurch had earlier won the toss and elected to bat. They began strongly as Persaud (44) and S Rowe put on 41 for the first wicket until the latter, having worn one on the fingers from a pacy Haran lifter, lost his leg stump to the same bowler and was dismissed for 16. With the usually reliable (if slightly curvy) Barbone having a rare off day, it wasn't until Rob Coote (3-44) and Neil Webb (3-75) were bowling in tandem that any sustained pressure was able to be exerted on the visiting batsmen and the pair were able to pick up wickets at regular intervals, despite their opponents scoring relatively freely. Sullivan (24) and Wadsworth (33) added useful contributions as the rain grew heavier, but the real impetus of the innings was saved until South African AJ Duplooy reached the crease. After surviving a tight run out appeal early in his innings which had everyone turning to the sadly non-existent 3rd umpire, Duplooy bludgeoned a quickfire 61 that was interrupted for an hour as the inclement conditions forced an early tea. Resuming after the interval, Duplooy picked up where he had left off and, having taken 23 off of one over from Woodward, allowed his captain to make the declaration.
The lost hour and the benefit of the doubt on Duplooy's run out were to eventually be the deciding factors as Brentwood's reply began in circumspect fashion under heavy skies and a constant drizzle that had by now slowed the outfield down substantially. Matheson made a watchful 18 as Hornchurch began with the old ball knowing that slow bowlers would prove harder to get away on such a wicket. When Matheson and Lawless fell in quick succession, Hornchurch sniffed an opening. However, a sensational stand of 79 between Anderson and Allen dampened that ambition as both produced shots all around the ground. Allen in particular was especially aggressive, taking 31 from two overs from Singleton who had only gone for 20 in his previous 10.
At the start of the last 20 overs, Brentwood still required 7 an over but, such was the growing confidence of these two young men, victory hadn't been ruled out. Eventually Allen fell to one that stopped on the now sodden wicket having contributed 62 in less than 13 overs. Nevertheless, James Apicella strode purposefully to the crease with instructions to keep the run rate going with a view to launching a final assault in the last 10 overs. Despite the slow outfield and the rapidly failing light, Anderson and Apicella were still able to score quite freely although not getting full value for shots made it very hard work. Apicella, playing his first game of the season, added a useful 38 before falling in the last over leaving Anderson and Webb to see out the last few balls without allowing their opponents any further bonus points. Anderson carried his bat for an excellent 68 which, on another day and a faster outfield, would undoubtedly have been a century.
Despite this brave attempt, the dropped points mean that Brentwood's lead at the top of the league has been cut back to 18 points with four games to play. This weekend, they host second-from-bottom Horndon seeking to return to winning ways.
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20th August
Brentwood 4th XI - 250-3 declared
Horndon-on-the-Hill 4th XI - 131 all out
Brentwood won by 119 runs
Report by Kevin Edward Bradford
A dominant all round display from Brentwood saw them secure a comfortable victory against lowly Horndon-on-the-Hill and maintain their title aspirations.
Stand-in captain Damian Muncaster lost the toss, and the home side were asked to bat on a spongy wicket that had absorbed every bit of the previous day's deluge.
The fear of uneven bounce subsided as both the pitch and Brentwood's opening pair of Alex Priddle and Dave Berry settled into a leisurely performance against a youthful Horndon attack.
Neither batsman looked in any trouble on the slow wicket and runs were coming aplenty. Priddle especially was taking his chance at the top of the order, batting sensibly whilst ruthlessly pouncing on any mistakes brought about through Horndon's inexperience.
It was a freak injury to Berry though that caused the first real disruption to proceedings, when a mistimed top edge led to an impromptu collision between the ball and his eye socket. The swelling was unsightly and immediate and required the opener to leave the field.
This led to a mini collapse with David Matheson, Nick Farmer and James Apicella all failing to master the slow spin offered up by Horndon, and all falling cheaply. Muncaster came to the wicket knowing he had at first to settle the rot. He played carefully, taking quick singles to keep the score ticking over.
With his partner holding at one end, Priddle began to inflict real damage on the bowling figures. After accumulating a patient 50 he set off like a greyhound out of the traps, blazing boundaries all round the ground and racing to his maiden century. There was no let up for the Horndon attack, which tried nine bowlers in an attempt to claim a desperately needed wicket.
With an early declaration looking inevitable, Muncaster reverted to a more attacking mindset as he pursued his own half-century. However, the switch from his natural nudging led to his downfall and he was caught on 48 trying to bludgeon out the final two runs. His loss prompted the declaration leaving Brentwood on 250-4 off 47 overs. Priddle had carried his bat to remain not out for a chanceless 163, a score that justified his late selection into the side.
Despite the drying wicket, the total always seemed ominous to a side second from bottom in the league. Brentwood's opening bowlers Haran Sivapalan and Kevin Bradford struggled initially to find the right length enabling Horndon to get off to a swift reply. Bradford finally forced the first wicket as the batsman chopped the ball on to his stumps. The second fell soon after as Dave Barbone eased into a spell of precise bowling that saw him claim four wickets for only 19 runs off 14 overs.
Once the top order had been removed, the run chase was effectively ended. Despite some resolute defence from the youngsters in the middle and lower order, Brentwood were able to pick up wickets regularly. The spin duo of Apicella and James Woodward picked up a wicket apiece and Bradford finished with two. By the time Sivapalan claimed the final wicket and his second, thanks to a superb one handed diving catch by now star wicket keeper Priddle, Horndon were all out for 131 with 15 overs to go and Brentwood were sitting pretty at the top of the league with an extra 20 points. With three games to play, the championship is now surely Brentwood's to throw away. If they win 2 of the final 3 games, they will be crowned champions. This week they travel to Wanstead.
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27th August
Brentwood 4th XI - 127 all out
Wanstead 4th XI - 129-3
Wanstead won by 7 wickets
Report by Neil Webb
Brentwood 4's saved by far their worst performance of the season for one of the most crucial matches as they were comprehensively beaten by a strong Wanstead side at the Peter May Centre. With just two games to go in the season, Brentwood now risk blowing their title aspirations as, having being top of the league since the first game of the year, their lead has now been cut from 20 points to just 5.
This performance was all the more inexcusable as Brentwood were fielding what, on paper at least, looked to be their strongest side of the season, including no less than 5 people who have played 2nd team cricket this year. Knowing that he had such a strong batting line up at his disposal, when skipper Neil Webb called correctly at the toss he chose to bat first on a wicket that looked likely to crumble in the 2nd innings.
Unfortunately for Webb however, the batsmen in whom he'd placed his faith proceeded to let him down. Shane Surujbally and Nick Childs opened the innings and began positively enough although it soon became clear that run scoring would be hard work given the slow paced wicket, unmown outfield and ludicrously long boundary on one side. Childs was the first wicket to fall when, having made an untroubled 20 he drove lazily in the air and was caught nonchalantly at mid off. When David Moisan, averaging 40 in the 2's this year, followed 9 balls later, Brentwood were 37-2. Tom and Dave Childs also fell cheaply soon after as, like Moisan, both edged to slip where they were well caught. A lot now rested on Surujbally but, having made 22 and survived a strong appeal for a catch in the slips, Mirza trapped him LBW. This brought a now simmering Webb to the crease, angry that all of his star batsmen had surrendered their wickets so easily. He set about trying to rebuild the innings but needed someone to stay with him to build a big partnership. Neil Wicks was the most likely candidate but, having been lucky to be caught off of a no ball, he was bowled around his legs by leg spinner Palmer (5-19). David Matheson then showed more determination than any of the top 6 and grafted with his captain for 12 overs to post the highest partnership of the innings. Meanwhile Webb was playing a typically gritty innings, determined to show what was possible given a bit of patience and bottle but when Matheson (13) played on in the 36th over, the tail was exposed. Palmer then picked up the wickets of Prior and Bradford in quick succession leaving Webb with only his number 11 for company. When the captain was last man out he had top scored with 29 and Brentwood had crumbled to 127 all out.
Webb's team talk in between innings was predictably x-rated as he used a colourful vocabulary although one of the few words that can be printed was "spineless", so disappointed was he in the way that his top 6 had fallen on their swords so happily. He asked his red-faced teammates for more effort in the 2nd innings and demanded some restoration of pride. Because the Brentwood innings had ended so early, the Wanstead openers had a tricky 20 minute session to negotiate before tea and Webb made the decision to start with the old ball, bowling his off spin from one end with Tony Prior's gentle away swing from the other. Webb made the vital early breakthrough when he had Joslin caught at square leg by Matheson in the 4th over and when, following the tea interval, he also accounted for Palmer and Singh, well caught by Nick and David Childs respectively, Brentwood began to believe they had a chance of an unlikely victory although they were still relying on luck going their way to keep up the momentum. Fortune deserted them at the crucial moment though as Akbar was inches from being run out by Matheson, then when Ramdial glanced one down the leg side, wicketkeeper Wicks could only just get finger tips to it. Realising the need to try all his options, Webb, having taken 3-34, took himself and Prior out of the attack and threw the new ball to Sivapalan and Bradford. In Bradford's first over he induced a leading edge from Akbar which looped to mid off but Tom Childs couldn't follow the example from the rest of his family as he inexplicably put it down. With this catch went Brentwood's last remaining hopes of victory and as Ramdial opened up a fine array of shots the target was reached with ease, Ramdial finishing with an excellent 53 not our and Akbar on 35.
This Brentwood side will need to improve substantially in time for next week's trip to South Woodford as they now know they need to win their final two matches in order to clinch the title. Their captain may need a week to get his blood pressure back to an acceptable level too…lack of ability is excusable but lack of courage and cannot be tolerated.
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3rd September
South Woodford 4th XI - 263-6
Brentwood 4th XI - 264-9
Brentwood won by 1 wicket
Report by Damian Muncaster
Amidst the gathering gloom, Brentwood 4th scraped home to victory by the narrowest of margins at the South Woodford ground last Saturday.
Requiring only 4 runs from the final over and then a single from the last ball, with just the one wicket remaining, Brentwood's tail-enders did just enough to secure victory in a finish that was racked with tension, mistakes and excitement.
Brentwood had been set an imposing 263. After making a decent start with the ball, Brentwood had no answer to the explosive hitting of Woodford batsman ... Kirk Green who finished with an unbeaten 137. He came to the crease as opening bowlers Bradford and Barbone were in the middle of a tight and probing opening spell. Barbone all bustle and breasts took the first wicket (club politics can surely be his only barrier to a first team call up) with Bradford all snarl and sinew providing excellent support.
Payne, with his michelin star, also continued the good work and claimed 2 further wickets (Tom Childs with a excellent diving tumbling athletic catch on the boundary) but ominously for Brentwood, Green continued untroubled at the other end. Morgan joined the attack to good effect and took a further two wickets, the younger Child's following his brothers lead by holding on a to sharp chance at mid on.
But as Woodford cruised past the 175 mark, this was the signal for Green to up the ante, if Muncaster had of held on to a sharp caught and bowled chance then it may be have a different story but from here on in Green put the Brentwood bowling to the sword. Webb did well to keep the first over of his second spell down to just 26 as Green continued unabated.
As Brentwood became ragged, the scoreboard began to run away from them and as the 52 overs was reached, relief that the punishment was over was felt by the visiting side.
The Brentwood innings began in a serene manner that offered no clue to the dramas that were later to unfold. Undaunted by such an intimidating total, openers Priddle and Anderson kept apace with the required run rate and looked totally untroubled in pursuit of victory.
Until out of the blue Priddle received a peach of delivery that spun past his defences and clipped the top of stump. Woodford then seized on the opportunity to grab a foothold in the game and in fact did more than that. Childs, Anderson and Donkin all quickly followed to the pavilion without undue stress to the scorer (which was probably a blessing) and Brentwood were left reeling at 109-4.
The innings was in need of repair and it was Neil Webb and David Childs that set about the job. Childs accumulated runs in his assured manner as Webb unleashed his full array of... errr.. shot at the other end. As the boundaries started to flow the run chase was back on and Brentwood were in now within striking distance, the Woodford total was no longer fanciful. With Webb and Childs together, the required rate went from over 6 an over to just 4 and Brentwood were suddenly favourites.
But then out of nowhere, Webb was caught at point for a fine 63 and again Woodford sensed a way back into the match. The vital wicket of Childs (58) then followed and with the tension rising as the sun was setting, panic set in. Muncaster ran out Morgan in a suicidal attempt at a quick single and then Payne was spectacularly caught and bowled attempting a straight drive. Muncaster and Bradford then scrambled a handful of singles that meant only 4 was required from the last over.
Further drama was to follow. Muncaster was then run out and with Brentwood needing just the one run but also Woodford only requiring one wicket to claim victory the game was now on a knife-edge as the final ball was to be bowled. Bradford was facing and he some how, to the relief of the Brentwood captain, did enough to scrape the run and the secure the 18 points.
With 2nd placed Ardleigh Green also victorious, the destiny of 2005's league title goes down to the last game this Saturday ... if Brentwood beat Walthamstow, they will be crowned Champions. This enthralling contest was a credit to both teams and the sportsmanship offered by the South Woodford team and especially their captain is to be commended in contributing to the best game of cricket of the season.
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