ByAnonymous, Anonymous
Chigwell claimed a seven-wicket victory over Belmont & Edgware in a friendly.
With a player dropping out at the last minute, Belmont & Edgware skipper Ryan Monk won the toss and chose to bat, knowing a good score, he could defend with a weakened bowling attack.
Altman-Richer and Phil Mayer started very well and built a great opening stand of 40 before Mayer was trapped in front for 17. Altman-Richer continued in build his innings and was called for a quick single by his partner Reid, but was just short of his ground and was run out for 19.
Reid then was run out himself and BECC was reduced to 52-3, and to make matters worse, Reid pulled his hamstring trying to make his ground, which made BECC's chances harder in the field when they went out.
Michael Blasebalk and new addition to the team Pereman built and superb partnership of 88 runs for the 4th wicket. Both player hit the ball with grace. Anything on leg stump was put away very well by Pereman who reached his 50 with a crisp cover drive. But overs were running out and he went very soon after reaching his landmark he was caught at deep mid-wicket. Monk came out for the last over and made a nine not out, and Blasebalk finished with a well put compiled 27 not out as BECC set Chigwell a target of 151 to win.
After tea, things did not go well as Jeffries had a leg injury so BECC was only left with eight players in the field, with Jeffries hobbling around.
With only a few fielders to work with, this made BECC's task very very hard. Jeffries managed to bowl a few overs with no run up and took the first wicket, with a very smart stumping.
With runs coming freely at the other end, Monk brought himself on for his first bowl in three seasons, and picked up two wickets. But with no other bowling option available and a lack of cover in the field Chigwell raced to the target and won by seven wickets, with 10 overs to spare.
The game was played in very good spirits and fun was had by all. It leaves the score at 1-1 this season - with there being a third match to decide this contest. With both matches having home victories aneutral ground must be sought. Lords have been mentioned ...