Strollers thwarted at Theydon
posted: June 24, 2024

All good things must come to an end and so it was when our winning start to the season finally fizzled out with defeat away to Theydon Bois yesterday. Having won the toss, the home side opted to bat first and took advantage of some decidedly 'village' fielding on our part with a succession of dropped catches letting the oppo off the hook. Nevertheless our bowlers hung in there with Spencer and Harry collecting a brace of wickets apiece and Ron finally seeing off fearsome opener Hammad for a well struck 75. The hosts eventually closed on 206-5 which at least felt within range.

Unfortunately our response faltered with the early dismissals of our openers George and Rohan and, whilst most of our middle order made a start, nobody was able to capitalise and post a big score – not helped by a couple of dubious LBW calls going against us along the way. Ron top scored with 37 before falling to Tunks and when the last wicket fell (Rohan returning for an encore as we were a man short) we were still almost 60 adrift of our target so, sadly, we left Essex empty-handed. Hopefully we can resume our winning ways in the week ahead.

Gavin Richardson
24.06.2024