The 1st XI welcomed Writtle to Slades Lane for what had been earmarked as a must win fixture in division 1. Batting first, Galleywood’s innings increased in momentum as it progressed, with a steady start built upon by two fine middle order knocks from Jack Moss (67) & captain Ben Rayner (52). With some high strike rate runs added in the latter overs,the home team finished on 231/8 from their 45 overs. In reply, the Galleywood attack steamrolled through the visitors’ line up, with 8 of the Writtle batsmen restricted to registering single figure scores with Simon Bowring (3-18) & Matthew Cockrell (3-32) the pick of the bowlers. With the away side dismissed for 130 inside 32 overs, the 1st XI had achieved their goal of a crucial maximum points victory in some style.
The promotion chasing 2nd XI travelled to South Weald for what would turn out to be a momentous afternoon for captain Wesley Swann. In early at number 3, he would bat throughout the remainder of the 45 overs achieving both his maiden club century (108*) and a prestigious place on the newly erected honours board. With solid support in the shape of Matthew Brace (38), Matt Howard (36) & Craig Singleton ( 30), the visitors finished on 241/6. Galleywood then demolished the home batting line up for a mere 83 runs in just 23 overs with top performances from Alec McLennan (3-8) & Steve Dickson (2-4). Wesley Swann continued his heroics with an athletic diving stop leading to a direct hit run out which in his own words “made me feel like I was 18 again.” The 2nd XI are now one point off top spot with a healthy gap to third place.
A much changed 3rd XI batted first at Margaretting against South Woodham Ferrers. A tricky playing surface made runs very difficult to come by with a low scoring opening period adding extra pressure to accelerate. Some middle order stability (James Brown 38 & Graham Boxer 33) and a late flurry from debutant Lee Raynor (25) saw Galleywood struggle to a total of 168. An early wicket in the visitors’ reply fuelled hope but despite long periods of tight, economic bowling no wickets were forthcoming. The inability to break a big middle overs partnership would again be Galleywood’s undoing. A superb late bowling spell from Jack Meadows (3-20) saw an exciting finish with SWF needing 2 from the final over with lower order batsmen at the crease. Ultimately though it was too little too late as with the field up, one last hefty blow flew for 4 runs to seal victory for the visitors.
Thanks once again to the weekend match ball sponsor A D Stone worktop specialists.
