Mildenhall 1XI suffered a tough defeat at the seaside against Frinton on Saturday. J(little c) has written a detailed match report describing his journey through the Essex countryside. I've recreated his report below for your viewing pleasure.
"A day at the seaside.
I think that since scoring for Mildenhall this was my sixth trip to the charming seaside town of Frinton and I still haven’t managed to see the sea. Still, Frinton CC is always worth a visit, set as it is in green fields surrounded by the beautiful undulating backdrop of this serene part of Essex. Essex is a much, wrongly in my opinion, maligned part of England. Ok Basildon and Dagenham et al probably deserve this accolade but north and east Essex in particular are a far cry from those places and deserve better designation. This is all too obvious as I negotiate my way from Suffolk into Essex passing by towns christened East Bergholt, Dedham, Weeley, Furneux Pelham, Stocking Pelham, Titchmarsh, Kirby le Soken and more before arriving at Frinton-on-Sea which, according to legend, is famous for its incontinence issues. My only complaint is that it is so bloody far away!
Right where were we? Oh yes! The cricket.
MCC won the toss and invited the opposition to bat on what was, in the words of Stubbs the groundsman, a belter. And so it proved to be. Michael Griggs playing second string to the Jaik Mickleburgh ensemble, carted the hapless bowling all over the place until the 29th over when Briggs was bowled by Tristan Blackledge. Westfield made a brief appearance, (he looked as though he was going somewhere and found himself in the middle of the pitch by mistake) only to give way to Pulina Tharanga – named after an ancient Essex tribal Lord – who together with Jaik continued to pillage runs until the 42nd over when Jaik gave his wicket to Matt Allen. After another 8 overs and 66 runs it was time for lunch and would you believe it another dose of sausages and mash. Another plus for Frinton.
Mildenhall’s innings had little of merit apart from Captains Rash’s sterling 75 off 90 balls and Shepp’s cameo before and after the rain of 59 off 53 balls and Mervyn Westfields 10th over which produced 18 runs for Mildenhall. The rain didn’t help admittedly but before it started we were well behind their run-rate and on resumption the required rate was well beyond our capabilities but it did produce some entertaining cricket.
Next week Sudbury at home. I wonder what that game has in store for us? We surprised them at Sudbury, can we do the same at Wamil Way I ask? "
Jc
Mildenhall 2XI had a very 'spirited' match against Copford on Saturday. Mildenhall batted first and things looked very positive for the home side. Morrison and Squire looked in good touch. Morrison was dissapointingly bowled by Helmer for 23. This brought to the wicket Steve Graham and together with Squiz they looked in total command over the Copford bowling. Mildenhall looked on target for a massive total but the match changed when Graham (72) and Squiz (91) were dismissed by Bell. The innings faded away, only Cruickshank with 20 was able to really make a difference. Mildenhall finishing with 241 all out from 44.4 overs. Bell was the pick of the bowlers with 4-21 from his 8 overs. Morrison took a couple of wickets early on for Mildenhall. But Bell was to prove the difference maker with the bat topping off his day with 103 not out. Bell was well supported by Reid (35), Helmer (26) and Sherlock's nemasis Moriarty (35 not out). Copford reaching their target from 43.5 overs for the loss of 7 wickets. Kyle picked up 2-54 from his 11 overs. The rest of the wickets were shared between Cruickshank, Bowman, Tom Heywood and Steve Graham. Next week the 2XI will be without Squiz and skipper Steve Graham, hopefully the rest of the side will step up and fill the run void that those absences will no doubt create.
On a damp looking pitch Mildenhall 3XI were asked to bat first by the visting Halstead 2XI skipper. Mildenhall lost Kiefer early on when he was later on an attempted pull shot through mid wicket. Mark Thurston was able to move the ball using his much vaunted wrists for 16 before he was bowled by Read. This brought Plasterer Kev Pearson to the crease and a decent partnership between James Taylor and Pearson began to take the game away from the away side. Pearson's innings included a massive six over long off while Taylor was brutal on anything short of a length outside off stump. Pearson was unlucky to be given out LBW to Hansey for 43. Taylor was also given out LBW the next ball for 78. Matt Heywood made a bright and breezy 32 not out but special mention must be given to overseas star Dustin Wilder. The US serviceman has worked hard on his cricket this year and is beginning to reap the benefits. Dustin hits the ball in some unusal areas but his overall strokeplay is improving also. Dustin finsihed with 41 not out (including 2 sixes). Dustin was also magnificent in the field with 2 good catches and numerous close run outs. Mildenhall finished with an above par 235 for 5 from their 45 overs. harris finished with 2-44 from his 9 overs. The Halstead innings got off to a measured start through Cooper (28) and Morris (24). Both openers fell to veteran fast bowler Martin Kingdon. Kiefer Renouf and Matt Heywood gave the innings some control and took steady wickets. Halstead fell well short with 186 for 8 wickets from their 45 overs. Martin Kingdon was as consistent as ever with 15 overs 2-42. Kiefer took 3-54 showing his improvment with the ball and Matt Heywood had his best spell of the season with 3-25 from 8 overs. Trevor Westley bowled well and was unlucky not to take any wickets during his 12 overs. The 3XI are much improved this season and I would like to highlight a few players that have helped with that improvment. Martin Kingdon has been the rock of the bowling attack for the 3XI once again and will be competitive for this years POTY award. Martin Taylor has been sensational with his mid-lower order batting making some key contributions in tight matches. Tails has also bowled economically and I'm sure Killer appreciates that he often gets the wickets thanks in no small part to his partnership with the younger Martin. Neil Clark and Mark Thurston have provided consistent runs for the side and provide a solid basis for many team scores. Kiefer Renouf has developed well this year with the ball. Kiefer has claimed crucial mid innings wickets when the team has needed it. With some small changes and a some focus on the approach to coaching batting, the 3XI could be very competitive in division 4.
As in victory!
GN Scoop
P.S. Cricket is great ;o)