2009 Season 5th XI Match Reports

16th May

Brentwood 5th XI - 194 all out
Billericay 4th XI - 175-7
Billericay won by 9 wickets

Report by Steven Bell

Scorecard

Brentwood took on Billericay on a very windy day, with the wind blowing straight down the pitch. Brentwood batted first and Openers Dave Berry and Ollie Walker got Brentwood off to a solid start, each scoring 23. Costin (29) and James Berry (17) provided good support to a true Captain's innings from Ash Patel of 52, perishing caught. Billericay steadily took wickets, twice with two in two balls. Keith Paternoster from Billericay bowled steadily stump to stump with the wind taking 5-38. A dashing innings on 19 not out from Richard Horswill saw Brentwood to 194 all out.

Brentwood had a sparse attack and used three promising colts to bowl with the wind. More experienced bowlers were used into the wind. Though James Berry 8 overs, 1 for 30 took one of the openers for nought, no more wickets fell. Chances were few with vain appeals for a run out and caught behind, and only one dropped catch. P Harford from the home team scored 109 not out to see Billericay home at a canter. There were promising spells from our three young bowlers. Richard Horswill bowled 7 overs for a meagre 20 and Matthew Bell bowled 8 overs for 37, half of which were into the wind.

Return to top of page

23rd May

Chingford 4th XI - 180 all out
Brentwood 5th XI - 181-8
Billericay won by 9 wickets

Report by Ash Patel

Scorecard

Brentwood fielding a more stronger team than last week won the toss and had no hesitation in asking Chingford to bat first on a dodgy looking pitch. It was grassy and looked as if the top was flaky and it proved the case as Essex u15 opener Ben Sach 5-1-16-1 bowled a good spell with the ball removing one of the openers. His partner James Berry 4-1-29-0 did not bowl as well on a helpful pitch and was punished for boundaries several times. Richard Horwill 4-1-9-1 continues the good work of Ben Sach and at the other end experienced Micky Payne bowled a 10 over spell without success.

Dougie Maxwell 9-1-26-1 and Jon Hilliard 5-2-19-1 tied the batsmen down but the batsmen were intent on tip and run tactics to keep the scoreboard moving. 3 of the top 4 for Chingford posted good scores but when Micky Payne was re introduced into the attack along with the experienced off spinner Neil Webb 6-1-25-1 Payne immediately got Rehman out for a well made 53. Rest of Chingford batsmen collapsed in a heap to the wily Micky Payne 15-1-50-5 as Chingford were all out in the 48th over for 180 from a 150-3 position. Brentwood's fielding and bowling was to a very high standard.

Brentwood lost an early wicket in reply but Dave Berry (60) and Ben Sach (61) batted sensibly and with skill to negotiate difficult batting conditions. When Berry was out slicing a full toss to point the Brentwood middle order disintegrated just as Chingford's did earlier. The run rate was manageable and Ben Sach was playing superbly and was holding the innings together so a Brentwood victory was always likely. With just 6 needed off 5 over's Jon Hilliard tried his hardest to lay bat on ball to no avail but Dougie Maxwell played some nice shots as Brentwood won by 2 wickets.

Return to top of page

30th May

Brentwood 5th XI - 162 all out
Hadleigh & Thundersley 4th XI - 141 all out
Brentwood won by 21 runs

Report by Andy Maxwell

Scorecard

At the end of a very hot day, the Brentwood 5th XI left the field as winners of a most exciting, low scoring battle. They had wrestled a match from a very disciplined Hadleigh & Thundersley 4th XI who for three quarters of the encounter looked likely winners.

Hadleigh skipper Mark Baker invited the visitors to bat. Sam Crompton took the first five wickets, with only James Denman (25) making any contribution, most notably a towering six off Crompton. But this was a highlight as the Hadleigh bowlers seemed to show little weakness. After the openers were removed, wickets clattered quickly and with few runs on the scoreboard Brentwood were five down.

There then followed a middle period of the game where two U13s stopped the rot. While Douglas Maxwell showed the resilience to survive, Kristen Ali coupled this with stronger hitting and the two calmed the jubilant fielding side. When this partnership ended, with a sensational one handed catch at backward square leg by Crompton, Hadleigh & Thundersley may have felt they could do no wrong.

It was now that Kristen Ali was joined by father Sam, and Brentwood had their main chance of some runs. Sam counter attacked in uncompromising fashion making 57 but 13 year old Kristen‘s 26 was a very strong contribution against consistent bowling.

However, the pressure continued as Brentwood were all out for 162 off 48.3 overs.

The Hadleigh & Thundersley opening pair were aggressive against the new ball attack of brothers Andrew and Mathew Thorpe-Apps. It seemed Imran Saleemi was going to finish this match very quickly, and as the score raced to 42 for no loss off 5 overs, the Brentwood team were quiet, and fielding errors seemed to emphasise a losing side.

Although the two Thorpe-Apps brothers had been punished for any errors they were both improving within their spells. This was rewarded as Mathew (5-0-30-2) first bowled Saleemi followed by Stephen Stone, and Hadleigh were 72 for2. Matthew Thorpe-Apps was replaced by four exciting and eventful overs from 12 year old Richard Horswill (4-0-17-2), who quickly bowled Duxbury and then trapped the dangerous captain Baker lbw. This was another very strong performance from yet another Brentwood youngster.

The visiting side still looked like losing, but were making it more difficult for their opponents. Andrew Thorpe-Apps (7-0-44-1) got his deserved wicket with a spectacular catch from Malcolm Horswill. He was then replaced by Douglas Maxwell (7-1-26-4). His control maintained the pressure set up by the previous bowlers, but it was his removal of the very classy opener Jamie Stone (lbw 63) that made a Brentwood win possible. With Hadleigh & Thundersley only needing another 35 Alan Glanville successfully slogged good balls from Douglas and the match swung back to them. At the other end Jonathon Hilliard bowled under the pressure of not giving away runs, but this is what he does consistently well. With only 20 needed it was decided to give Douglas Maxwell one more over, and this paid off as he bowled Glanville for 12 and Hilliard (5-2-8-1) then trapped the last man lbw.

It had been a collective effort from a Brentwood fielding side that began as individuals and walked off a team. It was a great day and a result that put the fifth team top of their division with three wins from their first four league matches.

Return to top of page

6th June

Walthamstow 4th XI - 145 all out
Brentwood 5th XI - 101 all out
Walthamstow won by 44 runs

Report by Gary Hilliard

Scorecard

With team selection proving an issue this weekend, the 5th XI called upon club stalwarts Dave Barbone and Julie Welham to complete the team to face Walthamstow at St Martin's school. In the end it was a poor batting performance that proved Brentwood's undoing.

Brentwood made a good start on the unaccustomed Astro-turf pitch. Impressive bowling from Mike Karkaletsou (4-30), Vamshi Lingala, Sam Dawes, Prem Pithia (two wickets), Jon Hilliard and Dave Barbone (two wickets) put Brentwood in a good position. Julie Welham started well but a recurring injury saw her retire from the field with Ian Dawes stepping in as 12th man assisting the Brentwood cause. Brentwood bowled Walthamstow out for 145 with A Hussain contributing 23 runs.

After tea though it was a different story, with the temperature dropping, Owen Mathias and Chris Costin opened for Brentwood but wickets were lost early until Ash Patel took to the crease. Along with Sam Dawes mature 25 runs, Ash contributed a steady 33, both trying to keep Brentwood's hopes alive but the remaining wickets fell too cheaply and in the end Brentwood were bowled out for 101, with impressive bowling from Walthamstow's G Bonser (8-48).

Return to top of page

13th June

Ardleigh Green 5th XI - 125 all out
Brentwood 5th XI - 118-5
Brentwood won by 5 wickets

Report by Michael Karkaletsou

Scorecard

Brentwood 5th XI romped to an impressive victory over Ardleigh Green 5th XI at Little and Great Warley. Having won the toss and electing to bowl Brentwood started with an impressive opening spell from bowlers Prem Pithia and Morne Smit. The Ardleigh Green batsmen struggled to cope with the accuracy of the bowlers, losing a couple of early wickets to Prem Pithia and as a result, runs were at a premium. Morne Smit deserved more from an excellent spell of 12 - 1/22 and on another day could have had a hatful of wickets. The excellent opening spell was backed up from an outstanding display of spin bowling from Doug Maxwell who took 3 wickets for 30 runs including 5 maidens.

Brentwood were also very lively in the field, giving away no unnecessary runs with Vamshi Lingali particularly impressive taking 2 excellent catches, and Prem Pithia reacting well to a diving stop from Andy Maxwell to produce a run out which included good work from keeper Ollie Walker . Ardleigh Green were eventually bowled out for 125 from 46 overs, with M Waters (50 no) there only real performer.

In response, Brentwood made a bright start but then lost both openers in quick succession. Andy Maxwell performed well with the bat scoring 62 not out and was supported well by Chris Dann making his first appearance of the season scoring a quick fire 22 including a number of powerful shots before being brilliantly caught on the boundary with a one handed diving catch. A good all round team performance saw Brentwood reach the target with 24 overs to spare.

Return to top of page

20th June

Horndon-on-the-Hill 4th XI - 149 all out
Brentwood 5th XI - 152-3
Brentwood won by 7 wickets

Report by Michael Karkaletsou

Scorecard

Brentwood 5ths continued their impressive run of form beating Horndon 4ths comfortably at Little and Great Warley.

On a green wicket Brentwood captain Ash Patel won the toss and chose to bowl first. Brentwood made good use of the wicket bowling Horndon out for 149 within 44 overs. Horndon found runs hard to come by as Brentwood bowled with good accuracy forcing the Horndon batsmen to fight hard to keep their wickets intact. Michael Karkaletsou was unlucky to come away without any wickets after causing the batsmen many problems and finishing with figures of 9 overs 0/15. Doug Maxwell bowled well taking 3 wickets for 33 runs as did Andrew Thorpe-Apps 2/21. Kristin Ali was introduced in order to finish off the Horndon innings and he duly obliged taking a wicket with his first ball and finishing with 4 wickets for 12 runs from his 3 overs.

Chasing 150 to win Brentwood achieved their target in just 27 overs. Vamshi Lingali and Gautam Datta got Brentwood off to a flier putting on 80 for the opening partnership. Lingali (23) batted sensibly at one end while Datta took the attack to the Horndon bowlers hitting a quickfire 58, dispatching the ball to all parts of the ground including a number of big 6's. After both openers fell in quick succession Andy Maxwell continued his fine form with a second not out innings in as many matches scoring a well constructed 22. Celebrating his 13th birthday Kristin Ali followed up his fine bowling performance with 31n.o pulling a short ball for 6 and then clipping a full toss for 4 to win the game for Brentwood.

Return to top of page

27th June

Benfleet 4th XI - 195 all out (48 overs)
Brentwood 5th XI - 195-7 (38 overs)
Brentwood won by 3 wickets

Report by Michael Karkaletsou

Scorecard

Brentwood 5ths recorded their third successive victory, beating Benfleet 4th XI with a solid all round team performance. Having won the toss and electing to bowl Brentwood's bowlers Prem Pithia and Andrew Thorp-Apps made good use of the new ball. They bowled a tight spell, taking a wicket apiece to dislodge both opening batsmen. Prem Pithia finishing with figures of 1-18 from his 5 overs. They were backed up well by first change bowler Sam Ali who bowled 3 consecutive maiden overs, bowling with great variation, which bamboozled the Benfleet batsmen, taking 2 wickets along the way.

While Benfleet's middle order threatened a revival it was left to Brentwood's spin twins Doug Maxwell (2-48) and Kris Ali (2-31) to restrict Benfleet to a below par score. Bowling in tandem they each took 2 wickets. The impressive Andrew Thorpe-Apps (2-18) eventually finished off the innings for 195 from 48 overs.

In reply, Brentwood got off to a bright start with some nice stroke play from Datta (20) and Lingali (17). Brentwood's top order batsmen all got decent starts without anyone going on to get a big score. Ash Patel 24, Kristin Ali 29 and Douglas Maxwell 25 all played nicely before giving their wickets away with careless shots. It took Andy Maxwell (25 no), who is fast becoming known as a match finisher with his third successive not out performance and Sam Ali who in typical style hit three huge 6's and 3 4's in his quick fire cameo of 35 to put the game beyond any doubt, eventually reaching 199/7 from 38 overs.

The only sour point from the victory was the bickering from the Brentwood batsmen after the match about a few measly runs after discrepancies in the score book!! (You know who you are!!)

Return to top of page

4th July

Stanford-le-Hope 3rd XI - 131 all out
Brentwood 5th XI - 135-4
Brentwood won by 6 wickets

Report by Ash Patel

Scorecard

Brentwood and Stanford-le-Hope had the pleasure of playing on Brentwood Schools 1st XI pitch, Great batting track and outfield, 7 changing rooms between 2 teams, working showers, a tea hall, electronic scoreboard. Oh what a joy!!

Brentwood were inserted in and bowled first for the 4th match running. When the toss was made it was hot and sunny but when the game started the clouds gathered which helped the seemers to swing the ball around. Dawsey and Grandad bowled tidy spells but it was Morne who was causing batmen problems with his extra pace and bounce and picked up 3 wickets. Then not for the first time this season the spinners came on and wrapped up the Stanford innings. Neil Webb bowled the odd bad ball but bowled well enough to take 3 wickets and the reliable Dougie Maxwell picked up 2 and the ever improving Kristen Ali the final wicket.

Chasing just 131 loose shots from the top order batsmen Dutta, Dann and Patel gave Stanford a glimmer of hope from having no hope. Lingala played some nice shots in his 29 but it father and son with a 65 run partnership that finished off the game in Brentwood favour. Sam scored 50 not out hitting 2 sixes and 9 fours and Kristen a steady 16 not out.

Another excellent Brentwood win that could take them top of the league

Return to top of page

11th July

Brentwood 5th XI - 180-9 declared
Chingford 4th XI - 139-6
Match Drawn

Report by Ash Patel

Scorecard

Following 5 successive wins, top of the table Brentwood faced a sterner challenge as they faced 2nd placed Chingford 4th XI on a green but good looking Heseltine pitch. Chingford won the toss and elected to field.

After an initial burst of 8 over's with the new ball which Sam Ali dispatched to the boundary on a regular basis Chingford captain turned to his 2 star bowlers who had been promised a MacDonald's meal on the way home if Chingford won. Youngsters Lawrence bowling off-breaks Macgregor bowling leg breaks soon had Brentwood in all sorts of trouble at 70-5 and with the top order back in the hutch, Patel gave the orders to Dougie Maxwell and the remaining batsmen to bat for 65-70 over's. Maxwell although dropped a few times followed the instructions to the letter as he dug in for a patient 65 off 66 over's. There was great support from Richard and Malcolm Horswill, and the rest of the tail to allow skipper Patel to declare on 180-9 leaving Chingford 56 minutes + 20 over's.

Chingford's attitude was it's too many to chase and were not interested from the off. However with 5 men round the bat Chingford found themselves in a good position at 88-3 going into the last 20. Matt Thorpe-Apps bowled a nice spell and picked up two useful wickets. Brentwood had their own little spinning starlets in Dougie Maxwell and Kristen Ali who did not need the lure of a MacDonald's meal if Brentwood won. Dougie bowled 9 great over's in the drizzle and with a wet ball to end up with 3-11 and Kristen 0-6 off 4 over's.

In the end Chingford's lack of ambition ensured the game petered out into a draw with several over's lost due to drying the ball. Both Brentwood and Chingford are now on level points at the top.

Return to top of page

18th July

Brentwood 5th XI - 101 all out
Billericay 4th XI - 102-7
Billericay won by 3 wickets

Report by Ash Patel

Scorecard

Following the rain last week the pitch was soft and favourable for the bowlers so when Billericay won the crucial toss Brentwood were invited to bat. The four Billericay seam bowlers bowled an excellent line and length with lateral movement so the Brentwood batsmen found it very difficult and were all out for a lowly 101. Only Gautem Datta provided any resistance as he hit the ball aggressively when it was pitched up and top scored with 38.

Brentwood bowlers had to follow Billericay's example of tight bowling and let the pitch do the work for them however they were disappointing including the experience Sam Ali. A series of short bowling and aggression from Billericay top order put runs on the board quickly but Brentwood managed to pick up a couple of wickets and Billericay were 53-2 after 6 overs. Another 2 poor overs from Kristen Ali followed but Dougie Maxwell was bowling well (2-11) and with two superb run outs by Jon Hilliard and Andy Maxwell Billericay found themselves in a nervous situation at 94-7. Billericay could not cope with Maxwell's bowling and a Brentwood win was possible but several wides in Mike Karkalasou's spell ensures Billericay manages to get the remaining runs.

Return to top of page

25th July

Southend-on-Sea 4th XI - 187-8
Brentwood 5th XI - 95 all out
Southend-on-Sea won by 92 runs

Report by Steve Bell

Scorecard

Young Brentwood 5th XI fail to chase down a modest total.

Brentwood took on Southend-on-Sea 4th XI at a sunny Victory Park. There had been much change in the line up with a number of players moving up from the sixth XI at short notice, with withdrawals by other teams, and Stuart Fryd called up for his first game of the year. With a young team (comment excludes Captain Ash Patel!) featuring 5 boys who would play the following days U13 Peter Coe cup. Conversely, Southend had two players who had appeared in the first XI the previous Saturday.

Brentwood got off to a good start. Tight opening spells from Matthew Bell, Mike Karkaletsou and Jon Hilliard restricted the early scoring rate. Spin from both ends by James Coleman and Douggie Maxwell continued the pressure, 82 coming from the first 31 overs.

Southend gradually increased the tempo, taking chances and losing wickets, two of which were to comical run outs with good fielding by Karkaletsou. Southend ran up 105 runs from the last 21 overs, losing 6 wickets in the process. In his second spell Bell took 3 wickets all from slower balls (match figures 3-41), with support from Maxwell (a long spell 2-37). Kris Ali was attacked with a number of sixes coming from his bowling at the death, but kept his nerve to take a welcome wicket bowled. Fielding was generally good with a great catch by Jon Hilliard in the slips making light of a back spasm, as well as good catches by Rishi Patel and Karkaletsou. Southend declared after 52 overs at 187 for 8, Enderby top scoring for 51.

The lesson for Brentwood was that you could bat safely on the pitch but not score quickly. If you scored quickly wickets would fall. Despite so many of the team being at school, and featuring a school teacher, the lesson went unheeded.

The Brentwood innings started at a brisk tempo, with many of the runs coming from boundaries. Most of the batsmen made a start but wickets fell regularly, many to low full tosses against a low sun glinting off passing cars behind the bowlers arm. Douggie Maxwell top scored with a brisk 23 featuring 5 fours, and James Coleman was 10 not out as Brentwood failed to bring up 3 figures, ending 95 all out.

Return to top of page

1st August

Brentwood 5th XI - 209-6
Hadleigh & Thundersley 4th XI - 139-1
Match Drawn

Report by Steve Bell

Scorecard

Saturday afternoon at Brentwood School started sunny and bright but rain was forecast to arrive during the afternoon. Hadleigh & Thundersley 4th XI won the toss and put Brentwood in. Early wickets put Hadleigh into a strong position before stability was brought through a good stand between Rishi Patel and Sam Ali.

Rishi fell for 30 and Sam was joined by his son Kristen Kristen occupied the crease well and with his dad hitting out aggressively Brentwood staged a good recovery. As Kristen fell for 10, Sam was joined by Dougie Maxwell who also contributed with steady batting. As well as wickets falling, the rain was starting to influence the match with one interruption during the Brentwood innings, liberal use of sawdust and much drying of the ball. Sam Ali reached his second century of the season, and eventually fell for 109 as Brentwood pushed for an early declaration. Maxwell was unbeaten on 24 as Brentwood declared at 209 after 49 overs.

The Hadleigh innings got off to a steady start. Matthew Bell bowled a good opening spell of 4 overs for only 8 runs with a hard slip catch put down. On a slippery pitch, the pacy Carl Dutton (not wearing spikes!) was unable to get control at the other end, his leading foot slipping on the pitch. A couple of loose shots flew wide of the slips, but couldn't be taken, and he was taken out of the attack after just two overs.

Captain Ash Patel turned to spin early with the spinners keeping some semblance of control despite the wet ball. Sam Rounce was brought on as early as the sixth over, and bowled with good control. Kris Ali bowled 12 tidy overs for 37 runs, taking the one wicket to fall. Dougie Maxwell was feeling sick and unable to take the field at the start of the innings. Fortunately, his internal fortitude was strong enough to overcome his intestinal lassitude, and he took the field to run through 10 overs, causing some problems but unable to make a breakthrough.

The rain fell thoughout the innings, meaning that the pace bowlers could not be brought back into the attack. An optimistic Ash Patel ("I've started in worse") refused to accept conditions had deteriorated sufficiently to finish the match until after 6.30 when both Captains agreed the conditions had become too much, shortly after a slippery bat had flown from a batsmans grip when hitting a single! Hadleigh's innings was 139 for 1 after 35 overs at the close, Richer making a half century.

Following a sunny morning on Sunday, I can report that this reporters chairs and umbrellas have now dried out!

Return to top of page

8th August

Brentwood 5th XI - 95 all out
Walthamstow 4th XI - 96-8
Walthamstow won by 2 wickets

Report by Steve Bell

Scorecard

Brentwood 5th XI visited the Peter May Centre in Walthamstow to take on Walthamstow CC 4th XI. Despite hot, sunny and humid conditions, the Captains tossed up on a green damp pitch. Stand in skipper Andy Maxwell lost the toss and Walthamstow opted to bowl. An unfortunate toss to lose.

It was clear from the first over that it had been a great toss to win, though generally slow, there was significant uneven bounce, with many balls spitting high off a length. Openers Rishi Patel and Andy Maxwell showed great concentration and saw the shine off the ball. A lush outfield hindered scoring and the tone was set for the match. As an 11 year old the bounce from the pitch meant Patel was often defending balls at chest or face height. Indeed, the considerably taller Maxwell was hit at the top of his chest by one delivery which then cannoned into his helmet. Patel fell for a patient 4 and with Gautem Datta falling next ball, the Brentwood innings started to unravel. Opening bowlers Mike Harris and Greg Bonser bowled long spells of excellent line and length leaving the pitch to outfox the batsmen. Sam Ali, following a hundred the previous week went for 3, Kris Ali and Prem Pithia went for ducks and Dougie Maxwell, so often the provider of middle order runs fell for 7. After a captain's innings of 30 (worth a 50 on any other pitch) Andy Maxwell went to an incredible caught and bowled during this same period.

With England falling for 102 the previous day, Brentwood were facing even worse ignominy. The skipper decided attack was the best form of defense and encouraged batsmen to play their shots. The tall Matthew Thorpe-apps, a tall bowler using his height well as a batsman, came in at 8 and batted aggressively scoring 7 from his first over. He was soon joined by Jamie Dawes and the fight was taken to the bowlers. Dawes scored a magnificent 6 and a good stand developed. Batting conditions continued to be tough and Dawes fell for 23. Sam Rounce fell for 4, and Thorpe-Apps was last man out for 19, leaving a young Matthew Bell 0 not out. Brentwood were 95 all out from 36 overs

Full credit should go to the Stow bowlers Mike Harris returned figures of 4 for 21 from 13 overs, and Greg Bonser took 3-39 from 19 overs. Ansar Hussein cleaning out the tail with 3 for 16 from 3 overs.

The debate during tea was to what extent the hot conditions were drying out the pitch, and in truth the tennis-ball bounce had generally disappeared during the Stow innings, though there continued to be variable bounce.

Recognising the need for close in fielders, but with only 3 players over 18, Rishi Patel took on the gloves leaving Sam Ali to field close in, in the batsmen's eyeline and, unfortunately for any batsman, in his ear! Andy Maxwell also fielded close in, occasionally wearing a helmet to protect his good looks. Sam did not choose to wear a helmet to protect his looks.

Prem Pithia took the new ball and started with 2 wides. However, during a hostile 5 over spell he only conceded a further 14 runs, troubling the batsmen. Matthew Bell showing the virtues of line and length began to apply pressure and control from the other end conceding only 4 singles from his four overs. With only 20 coming from the first 9 overs the Stow team were beginning to get worried about the inability of their openers to get runs. Matthew Thorpe-Apps took over from. His height generated bounce and and with his second ball the batsman Taylor fended the ball off, it flew over the head of Matthew Bell fielding at leg gully, who undeterred turned and ran taking a good catch.

Low scoring rate, concern about the pitch and good bowling put pressure onto the Stow batsmen and wickets began to fall. From 46 for 1 to 66 for 7 the dogged Brentwood attack took control of the game. Dawes took 2 good wickets, one clean bowled at pace, Dougie Maxwell took 3 and Sam Ali chipped in with 1. The opener Stafford made 26 but was the only batsman from the top 7 to get to double figures.

The arrival to the crease of the aggressive Bonser saw fortunes shift. He hit out, 10 from Dougie Maxwell seeing off the young spinner. Thorpe-Apps retuned and he and Sam Ali bowled at the close of the innings trying to keep the pressure on. With Bonser falling to Ali (his second wicket) Stow were 8 down but needing only a handful of runs.

With 6 needed for the win, and the Stow players watching from the sidelines enjoying an Alex Ferguson "squeaky bottom time" experience, calamity struck, a bye from Thorpe-Apps kept low and hit the fielding teams helmet. 5 penalty runs and a run. A tense low scoring game had come to a strange ending.

Full credit to the Brentwood team for tight bowling, good fielding and internal fortitude for taking it so close, having had the worst of the conditions.

Return to top of page

15th August

Brentwood 5th XI - 269-3
Benfleet 4th XI - 174-9
Match Drawn

Report by Steve Bell

Scorecard

Brentwood 5th XI took on Benfleet 4th XI at Brentwood School. Captain Ash Patel won the toss and elected to bat first. Andy Maxwell, following a good knock the previous week on a demonic pitch, opened with the skipper, who had attended a wedding the previous Saturday (priorities?), on a pitch much more suited to batting. Brentwood got off to a great start with young bowler Sagger Patel unable to find his rhythm and bowling a number of wides, being removed from the attack after 2 overs). Brentwood set a tempo of more than a run a ball. Having made a good 37 featuring 6 fours in a stand of 88, Ash Patel did the right thing for the team, leaving a straight ball to allow someone else a chance to bat. Sam Ali made a brief but aggressive 21 and Matthew Thorpe-Apps strode out to the crease. Matthew batted well, showing little appetite for quick singles as he hit 5 fours in a knock of 21 before shouldering arms to a straight ball, the stand of 45 had seen Maxwell bring up Maxwell's fifty.

Prem Pithia strolled out and made his intent clear, he pushed the ball around finding gaps in the field for a number of singles allowing Maxwell the strike. Maxwell works hard on his fitness, and his pace did not falter, he contributed singles but increasingly smashed the ball for fours and sixes. He brought up a well deserved and aggressive 100 and pushed on as Ash Patel sought an early declaration.

Brentwood declared on 269 for 3 from just 37 overs (at 7.3 runs per over). Maxwell was unbeaten on 129, with 3 sixes and 18 fours. Pithia had provided excellent support with 34 not out as they made a century stand.

The debate over tea was whether Benfleet missing their two normal openers would use the extended time available to chase the total.

The opening spell provided the answer. Young Essex bowlers Richard Horswill (U12) and Matthew Bell (U11) bowled excellent opening spells as the Benfleet batsmen were pinned to the crease. Bell bowled three maidens in his four overs conceding just one run.

Spin was introduced from one end with James Coleman (also an U12) taking the opener Walker caught by wicket keeper Sam Ali, whilst Matthew Thorpe-Apps bowled Verlander in a fast hostile opening spell.

Run scoring was slow and Benfleet appeared resigned to a draw but wickets were not falling. Spin was introduced at the other end with Dougie Maxwell, overjoyed by his dad's innings, bounding in to attack the batsmen. His hostile leg spin bowling was superb. Making good use of a low sun and good flight, he ran through much of the Benfleet batting. He bowled 20 overs without a break taking 6 for 66. His dismissals featured two LBWs, one catch by the wicket keeper Ali (taking the ball and stumps with such fast hands that the batsman was unsure whether he had been caught, bowled or stumped), a catch by Coleman showing good hands and a wicket bowled where the ball broke the stumps and flew into Sam Ali's face (no permanent damage to handsome Sam from this one). The most unusual wicket was that of Brian Parker closing in on 500 appearances for Benfleet spread over 35 plus years, who for the first time in his career was out hit wicket as he took guard deep in his crease and attempted to find the boundary.

At the other end Kris Ali bowled five overs of spin up until the last 20 overs but without success.

The opening bowlers were then brought back on for short sharp spells but without the breakthrough that Brentwood needed, despite increasingly aggressive fields with only one fielder forward of the bat. Horswill (final figures of 7 overs, 4 maidens for 14), Bell (final figures of 7 overs, 4 maidens for 9) and Thorpe-Apps (final figures of 7 overs, 1 maiden, 1 for 27) continued to show exemplary control and one flash off Bell to leg slip was not taken, one of only two possible catches in the entire innings that was not taken.

As the final four overs were being counted down with Benfleet eight down, skipper Patel threw the dice one more time bringing on Sam Ali from wicket keeper (Maxwell taking the gloves). He took a wicket in his first over and the tension became electric, Clive Acraman who had retired hurt returning to the crease. It was all to play for. One wicket for the win for Brentwood, five runs needed for an extra batting point for Benfleet. Sam Ali's second over was a maiden and there was one final over from Dougie Maxwell. Though encouraged to take singles Benfleet continued to defend and the last wicket could not be taken, Benfleet falling one run short of the 175 needed for that batting point.

Benfleet never looked like chasing the total, taking 58 overs to score 174 for 9 at just three an over.

What a day for the Maxwells. Two great personal performances!

Return to top of page

22nd August

Stanford-le-Hope 3rd XI - 249-6
Brentwood 5th XI - 134 all out
Stanford-le-Hope won by 115 runs

Report by Steve Bell

Scorecard

Captain Ash Patel and chose to bowl first on a very brown square in its second season.

The pitch was rock hard, slow and true with little reward for the pace bowlers. Richard Horswill bowled a good tight opening spell of 4 overs for five runs, all wides! Other opening bowlers struggled, the previously economical Matthew Bell bowling four overs for 24 runs, identical figures to Payal Patel.

With Dougie Maxwell moved up to the 3rds following his six-for the previous week, the skipper tried two different spinners, Kris Ali and Owen Mathias before deciding that young spinner James Coleman should bowl a long spell of 11 overs. His bowling was good giving some measure of control and a number of good looking leg before appeals being turned down, though he was attacked a lot in the last few overs. James made the breakthrough, breaking the opening stand shortly after Geoff Lake had got to 50, but the opening stand had brought up 152. The other opener Neil Fuller batted nearly to the end of the innings reaching century as other batsmen struggled to make an impression.

At the other end there was a run out, one LBW for Coleman and two wickets for Sam Ali.

Neil Fuller was eventually bowled for 118 by Sam Ali, but the score of 249 for 6 was an intimidating one.

Brentwood did take heart from the nature of the outfield which was brown and hard as rock, meaning that there was good value for decent shots.

Openers Andrew Maxwell and Malcolm Horswill set off at a great run rate, both hitting a number of fours. Horswill fell for 15, Ash Patel for 11 and then Maxwell for 38, having looked in good touch following his century of the previous week. This exposed the young players in the team and wickets fell at regular intervals, though Rishi Patel showed good occupation of the crease in making 13.

Two controversial incidents which detracted from the enjoyment of the game followed. The first saw 12 year old Richard Horswill sent on his way by an opposition fielder when deemed LBW three balls after the fielding team felt he should have walked for caught behind. Richard was sure that the ball had hit his arm above the glove, a view confirmed by both umpires. An apology was made later during the day by the fielder.

The second incident saw a Brentwood batsmen remonstrate loudly and repeatedly with the umpire (a Brentwood team mate) following his dismissal for LBW whilst leaving the pitch, before swearing repeatedly in front of his young team mates as he packed his bags and went off to watch a different match.

Attention refocused on the cricket with a bright last wicket stand when Payal Patel joined James Coleman at the crease. 12 year old Coleman batted extremely intelligently protecting Patel and gallantly taking the lions share of the strike. Coming together at 106 for 9 the pair saw the score to 134 before Patel fell for 2. Coleman was 17 not out the second highest score of the team.

Return to top of page

29th August

Brentwood 5th XI - 218-7
Ardleigh Green 5th XI - 177-7
Match Drawn

Report by Steve Bell

Scorecard

Ardleigh Green won the toss and decided to put the young Brentwood team into bat. Skipper Ash Patel (the primary exception to the description of young!) and Vamshi Lingala put on a confident stand of 66, starting slowly but accelerating as the stand went on. Lingala fell for 31, shortly followed by Patel for 24. Young number 3 Connor Whetstone batted well defensively with his captain but fell for a duck. 11 year old Rishi Patel and Prem Pithia then shared a stand of 58 as runs continued to flow.

With the fall of Patel for 36 with only a handful of overs to go, a series of batsmen came and went as Brentwood pushed hard to accelerate the scoring rate. Gunasekara made 11, Richard Horswill and father Malcolm Horswill (the second exception to the description of young!) both made 4. Owen Mathias did the most to accelerate the rate hitting a six and a four in one over at the end finishing on 11 not out. Brentwood posted 218 for 7.

Full credit to Pithia, August has been a golden period for him. A mature 34 not out had against Benfleet 2 weeks earlier had been his highest score of the season, before this knock of 56 not out.

Featuring the same opening attack as previous weeks Brentwood made a great start, 12 year old Richard Horswill bowled great line and length proving very difficult to score against. 11 year old Matthew Bell was an instant hit, getting the opener first ball of the second over to a good catch at mid off by Owen Mathias. As both young bowlers are restricted to 4 over spells they were replaced by Pithia and Lingala. Both bowled well with frequent playing and missing before Lingala struck LBW, in a great spell of 1 for 6 from 4 overs.

With the run rate starting to dip, it was time for some spin! With a vast array of spinning talent available (quantity needed to fill the void left by Dougie Maxwell's promotion to the 3rds), the skipper bowled them in short spells. The low August sun was shining directly into batsmens eyes from the school end, and Brentwood started to reel in the wickets. Mathias, Whetstone, and Gunaskera each took one wicket each, 12 year old James Coleman being the only one to miss out. The run rate was starting to be a problem for the Green as we entered the last 20 overs, until the arrival of opening bowler Chapman who really took the attack to Brentwood before being bowled after a rapid 33 (Gunaskera).

Green were settling for the draw with 5 wickets down before Coleman returned. A great over saw 2 wickets fall and only three were needed. Coleman finished 2 for 18 from his 10 overs. Despite Bell and Horswill (Horswill finished with 6 overs for a measly 11 runs) bowling good return spells from the school end in support of Coleman no more wickets fell, Green finishing at 177 for 7 after 49 overs. Skipper M Waters was 58 not out, having held the innings together.

It was a very enjoyable game played in a good spirit by both sides, as our young side continued to learn from playing adult league cricket.

Return to top of page

5th September

Brentwood 5th XI - 240-5
Horndon-on-the-Hill 4th XI - 215-5
Match Drawn

Report by Steve Bell

Scorecard

A young Brentwood 5ths team took on Horndon-on-the-Hill 4ths in the delightful surroundings of the recreation ground at Corringham in the last league game of the season. Due to an accident paralysing the traffic in Brentwood this reporter was unable to observe the toss, but Brentwood were about to bat when he arrived, and he was promptly sent in to umpire!

Horndon took the field with only 9 in their team due to baby sitting commitments and someone running late, though gradually they moved up to full strength.

The pitch was tricky! The odd ball shooting through at ankle height, and then in contrast the odd ball leaping of a length. Batting was never easy and the Brentwood batsmen never looked settled. Most batsmen got in and scored runs, but were never far away from being beaten. Horndon bowled well and gradually ran through the Brentwood batsmen. Brentwood got off to a good start with Sam Ali (one of only two adults) making runs at the top of the order. As wickets fell he was joined by Kris Ali who took the crease and immediately started hitting out, three 4s off his first over, and starting to reel in his fathers score. Panic that he may be over taken by his son, and the mental stress of trying to keep not only his own score, but also that of his son, saw the elder Ali fall in the 30s. Later, Kris was also out in the 30s LBW.

As wickets continued to fall, the speculation was whether Brentwood could get to 200 within the 52 overs, or whether they would be bowled out. James Coleman helped the rate along coming in late in the order, before being very harshly adjudged LBW (in James' opinion). Though there were no obvious signs of dissent on the pitch, it was clear that the car journey home may be lively as the adjudicating umpire was his Dad Ian!

Connor Whetstone coming in late decided that all out attack was the best way to play and hit out well, scoring 20 plus runs very quickly, he and last man Matthew Bell (an impressive 1 not out) seeing the team through to 240 for 9 after 52 overs. The score had been helped considerably by 29 byes, most of which were due to variable bounce and accelerating down the slope on the hard ground.

A full and leisurely tea followed where there was a good spirit between the two teams, and much bonhomie. In an unusual move, Horndon were happy for Brentwood to continue to umpire the match. Umpires Mark Whetstone and Ian Coleman being expected by their sons to be generous with the LBWs when they were bowling!

Brentwood got off to a good start with Richard Horswill getting one of the openers in a tight and hostile opening spell. The other opener was harder to dislodge, running up a 50 before being out, despite good bowling from Bell, Vamshi Lingala, Ravi Rupal and Prem Pithia. As Brentwood took wickets the run rate started to slow and it became a case of whether it the game would meander to a draw or whether Brentwood could take the wickets. This was particularly the case as Connor Whetstone and James Coleman turned the screw with some great spin bowling from each end, Whetstone in particular looking like taking a wicket with most balls.

Brentwood were playing well in the field, as stand in skipper Malcolm Horswill (skipper Ash Patel preferring to party rather than play cricket!) used a range of good attacking fields. Rishi Patel deserves special mention for a tremendous afternoons work as wicket keeper conceding a measly number of byes despite the difficult pitch, and Lingala for tremendous speed in the outfield.

As the game meandered, the key moment of excitement was when a small gang of three local youths nicked a boundary flag and set off down the road with their trophy, hotly pursued by a spectator with a small dog. Fear of canines meant the flag was safely recovered.

As the 20 overs from 6 o'clock started (at real time of 20 past 6 due to the leisurely tea), disaster struck! Brentwood took a wicket and a last minute call up to Horndon strode out to the crease. The batsman, an insurance broker, had last played 3 years earlier and had not regularly played for 11 years. Single handed he dragged Horndon back into the game. He treated the previously threatening Whetsone with disdain smashing his first two balls for four though the off side. The next over, using his feet well he took a liking to cow corner and smashed further fours and a good 6. The game swung, and all results started to look possible. The skipper removed his spinners form the attack and pace returned, with Pithia picking up a wicket and Sam Ali bowling well. Lingala returned to the attack bowling spin as a contrast to his previous medium fast bowling.

With thick cloud cover the light started to fall, the run rate started to slow again with only the odd ball going for 4 and the broker-batsman calling for his helmet as he reached 50 due to inability to see the ball well. Light problems were hard for the fielding team as well. One four flew half way between Bell and Malcolm Horswill on the boundary. Bell with 11 year old eyes took off like a hare but was unable to stop it, Horswill remained in position with 50 plus year old eyes unable to see it!

In scenes reminiscent of England's historic test win in Karachi in 2000 played out in near darkness, lights could be seen appearing around the ground as the darkness descended. The batsmen conferred and with just 2 overs left and 25 needed, the batsmen (rightly) took the view that conditions were now dangerous and the match was drawn. The lesson being to eat tea more quickly in September!

As the Autumn nights draw in and cricket is lost for this Summer the fading of the light is an apt way to finish the league season. Brentwood 5ths finished creditably in the league in 7th place with seven wins. As the season grew the average age of the team fell, with a number of young colts being given excellent learning opportunities by Ash Patel, and this team featured two 11 year olds, three 12 year olds, a 13 year old and only two adults. Despite the large number of colts used in matches the team remained competitive as an indicator both about the strengths of colts development at Brentwood, and the future prospects as colts progress through to higher levels.

Thanks to Ketan Patel for scoring, and umpires Steve Bell, Ian Coleman and Mark Whetsone for their support to the team in this match, and Ash for his leadership through the season.

Return to top of page