The first XI welcomed South Loughton to Slades Lane for their latest Division 1 clash. With wickets falling at regular intervals, the dismissal of their most successful batsman Rehmen for 59 saw the visitors struggling at 111-5. Progressing to 157-9, they would then add what would prove to be an invaluable extra 35 runs for the last wicket to finish on a total of 192. The stand out bowling figures for the home team were Sam Wicks with 3-36 and an economical 1-22 off 9 overs for Nick Clayden.
With Galleywood seemingly comfortable and cruising in their reply, a combination of good bowling and some indifferent decision making quickly turned the game on its head. From 52 without loss, the hosts somehow found themselves up against it at 131-7 with all their top order batsmen departed. Despite a characteristically entertaining 32 off 33 balls (two 4s & two 6s) from Matthew Cockrell and a majestic, text book sweep to the boundary from Graham Storey, it was not quite enough. With just 5 runs needed and 8 balls remaining the visitors took the final Galleywood wicket to secure a victory by the narrowest of margins.
The 2nd XI continued their promotion charge with another big win in Division 6, this time away to Epping Foresters. With wickets shared amongst all 6 bowlers used (the most economical of which was Dan Howard with 2-32 off 8 overs) the hosts were dismissed for 189, a score that was boosted considerably by Iqbal’s 72.
There was momentary concern when a difficult start saw Galleywood 32-3 but this would prove to be the only worry for the remainder of the afternoon. What followed was a superb and ultimately match winning unbroken 158 run partnership between Andy Rycroft (70*) and Matthew Howard (66*). Both got their runs off a high tempo 75 balls and both hit 10 boundaries as they confidently piled on both the runs and the agony for the hosts. With the required total surpassed inside 40 overs for the loss of just 3 wickets, this resounding victory sets up next weekend’s home top of the table clash against Hornchurch Athletic perfectly.
Thanks once again to the weekend match ball sponsor A D Stone Worktop Specialists.