The first EAPL local derby of the season saw Mildenhall take on Bury St. Edmunds at the Victory Ground. Bury batted first on a very dry and arid pitch. Luke Du Plooy was an early victim of Kyle Morrison's for 1. Alfie Marston was able to show stubborn resistance with his 12 from 48 balls. Tom Rash removed the dangerous Park (3) and Cantrell (4). It was then over to Murtaza to pick up the wickets of Manthorpe and Allchin. Nick Maiolo picked up two LBW's and there were also two run outs. The one standout performer for Bury was Murray Commins who completed his 50 from 79 balls before he was run out. Bury finished on 93 all out from 37.4 overs. Tom Rash took 2-18, Kyle Morrison 1-11, Murtaza 3-20 and Maiolo 2-8. Overall a fine bowling performance from the Wamil Way side.
Mildenhall didn't get off to a great start with Reed (6), Curran (4) and Maiolo (3) all departing quickly. Stamatis was able to get some momentum into the innings with his 16. It was left to Tom Rash with 30 not out and Matt Allen with 15 not out to guide Mildenhall home from 26.5 overs. A comprehensive win for the away side. Allchin was the standout performer for Bury with the ball taking 3-20 off 9 overs.
A tough away day for Mildenhall 4XI as they took on Abberton 2XI. Abberton batted first and scored 205 from their 45 overs. Brooks 66, Sullivan 43 Swinn 24 were the highest scorers for the home side. The 4XI's youth policy was in full swing with the ball with wickets for Handy and Renouf but the main bowling performer was the youthful Kevin Boardman. The Hall of Famer taking 5-15 from his 5 overs including a caught and bowled. Cam Francis took the other wicket to fall so at least someone younger than Dame Vera Lynn took a wicket.
205 was always going to be a challenge and Mildenhall 4XI didn't get close. Renouf (12), Paul Thurston (16) scored some runs early on. But once again the young stars (Handy and Boardman) came to the rescue. Lou battling through for 35 Not Out. Mildenhall finished on 114 for 9 from their 45 overs. C. Scott who is a very decent bowler at this level took 4-24 and J. Arnold took 2-6 from 6 overs.
Mildenhall Sunday 1XI hosted Stowupland on Sunday and a great game of cricket took place in the sun. Wray scored a magnificent 128 for Stowupland. Long (46) and Abbott (44) also added good contributions. Stowupland scoring a very challenging 278 from their 40 overs on a very good Mildenhall pitch. Joe Reed took 3-68 and newcomer Dustin 'Gene' Wilder took 29-2 from 4 overs. There was also a wicket a piece for Kiefer and Cam Francis.
One man dominated the Mildenhall batting response. That man was Joe Reed. Joe ripped up the record books again with an innings of 200 Not Out. Joe becoming the only man to score more than 1 double hundred for the club (check that please Scoop). As a man who struggles to have enough overs to score more than 20 it is an unbelievable feat of batting skill and endurance to hit a double hundred in a 40 over match. Craig Warren scored 31. But the plaudits should all go to Joe. Congratulations Mr. Reed thanks for breaking records and winning matches. Mildenhall reached their target from only 32 overs. As far as the Stowupland bowlers all I can write is 'I'm sorry'...
More history for Mildenhall as the Sunday academy played their first game. This actual youthful side under the careful leadership of club secretary Steve 'don't you open that trapdoor' Boney Bone (only people of a certain vintage will get that pop culture reference) took on an entire city in shape of Ely CC. Ely batted first and amassed 171 from 35 overs. Runs from Ingram (39) and Lee (30). George Howard impressed with the ball for Mildenhall with 2-23 from 6 overs. There were also wickets for Sam Skingley, James Ireland, Blake McAdam, Max Brais and Bill Redhead.
Mildenhall didn't get as close as they would have liked to. Mildenhall finished all out for 112 off 28 overs. However, the man, the myth, the Boney legend produced a real skipper's performance with 66. No other batsman reaching double figures. Millard took 4-21 for the home side. Overall a great day was had by all and most importantly no monsters escaped the trap door so Berk was very, very happy indeed.
Mildenhall ladies took on Bardwell in another Sunday fixture. Lou provided excellent running commentary via his magnificent twitter feed. Lou provides great info on his twitter feed but don't follow him if you are expecting his comments on other events in the world. Lou will give you precious little with regards to his views on Donald Trump, the Royal wedding or even 'Wenger Out'. Cricket commentator Yes - Social commentator - NO! Anyway back to the match. Mildenhall batted first and Pippa Palmer was in great form. Pips taking great delight in taking the bowling apart with her Garrard and Flack cricket bat (shameless plug Ed/Liam). Pips eased her way to a 50 before retiring hurt. Emily made 20 before she was bowled. Helen Atkinson looked in destructive mood before that old devil Un Sure got her for 33. Lucy made 16. Mildenhall reaching 158 for 7.
The total proved to be too much for Bardwell as they reached 60-6 off 20 overs. There were 3 run outs. The other wickets were shared between Angela, Scarlett and Pippa. Another good day for the ladies to follow Saturday's good day for the ladies at the Royal Wedding (anyone who saw the photo's of David Beckham know exactly what I'm writing about).
2XI and 3XI reports to follow (spoiler alert - they were not great results).
Twin Scoop