Match Reports 2009

Kelvedon & Feering 82 for 1 wkts bt Colchester & EE 81 for 7 wkts by 9 wkts.

Batting first, Colchester & EE got off to a poor start loosing opener Natalie Samaranayake in the first over for a duck. Kara Tolman (20) and Kiri Samaranayake (16) then took control scoring freely over the fast outfield despite some excellent Kelvedon & Feering fielding. Danielle Lavender (10) and Stella Layzell (12) continued the scoring reaching 66 off 11 overs. The runs then dried up with some tight bowling, conceding only 16 runs off the last nine overs. Tia Moore (Three for 17), Beth Wild (One for 13), Hannah Courtnell (One for 15) and Kate Falsted (One for 16) were the Kelvedon wicket takers.

In reply Kelvedon started slowly with Beth Wild (17) and Victoria Yates (23 not out) batting carefully putting them in a strong position. Birony Butcher (23 Not Out) played some fine shots, passing the Colchester total in the 17 th. over. Natalie Samaranayake (One for 16) was the Colchester wicket taker and Danielle lavender (0 for 11) off four, the most economical.

Batting first, Woodham Mortimer started strongly with Laura Thorogood (28 retired) hitting a massive six clean out of the ground! Victoria Brown (21) continued the assault but found scoring difficult especially against the pace bowling of Hannah Jeffrey (Four for 9). Alex Shepherd (One for 11) and Michelle Snow (One for 14) were the other wicket takers.

In reply , Abberton despite loosing an early wicket , scored steadily through some savage hitting by Sue Theobald (21) until she was brilliantly caught & bowled by G Melhuish (Two for 21). Amy Finbow (14) then continued the scoring. Laura Thorogood (Two for 18) and bowled well but fine knock by Helen barnes (25 Retired) and Michelle Snow (12 not out) saw Abberton home with five overs to spare.

Abberton 82 for 4 lost to Kelvedon & Feering 84 for 4 wkts by 6 wkts (15 over match)

In a repeat of last year's semi final Abberton started steadily in a rain reduced match. Joe Sibley (7) and Sue Theobald (7) found the bowling difficult to score off until Hannah Jeffrey (25 Retired) and Helen Barnes (18) upped the rate enabling abberton to set a competative target. Tia Moore (Two for 14) and Hannah Courtnell (0 for 6), both off three and two spectacular run outs restricted Abberton's final total.

In reply, Kelvedon lost an early wicket but Beth Wild (20) and Birony Butcher (26 Retired) scored freely before Hannah Courtnell and Jenny Lees (14 Not Out) guided the side home with more than an over to spare. Alex Sheperd (One for 12) and Hannah Jeffrey (Two for 17) fought hard to reduce the rate but to no avail leaving Kelvedon to claim the title, their first since joining the league.

Colchester & EE 103 for 2 wkts (7 points) lost to Abberton 107 for 5 wkts (20 points) by 5 wkts.

Unbeaten Abberton won the toss and batted. Colchester got off to a fine start, with a fantastic catch by Lorraine Hartley on the boundary setting the tone and firing up Colchester's bowlers and fielders. Two more wickets followed quickly, just reward for good opening spells from Natalie Smaranayake (three for 20) and Kara Toleman (Two for 19), the former benefiting from another fine catch by Alison Snelling. Helen Barnes (25 retired) and Hannah Porter (25 retired) steadied the Abberton innings and then raced away with some powerful batting, setting Colchester a challenging 107. The most economical bowling came from Hartley with 0-14 off 4 overs.
In reply Colchester set off determinedly with N Samaranayake (25 retired) and Toleman (25 retired) keeping up with the run rate supported by a good innings from Hartley (16) and Stella Layzell (25 retired) kept up the pressure, but good bowling from Hannah Jeffrey (One for 19)and Min Patel (One for 16) kept the runs down. When Layzell had to retire with 2 balls remaining and 6 runs required, it was just too much for the Colchester batters who faced a hostile and accurate last over from Jeffrey.

Eight Ash Green 82 for 0 wkts (20 points) bt Mistley 81 for 2 wkts (3 points) by 10 wkts.

Put in to batting, Mistley lost the wicket of Michelle Mauger off the first ball quickly followed by another. Sophie Southgate (25 retired) and Sandy Hawes (25 retired) settled down and scored steadily against some indifferent bowling. A late flurry from Alice Ancliff (10) saw the visitors set a reasonable score. Debbie Aylward (Two for 10) and Jamie Newstead (One for 17) were the wicket takers with newcomer Sarah Banfield (0 for 8) and Karren Dredge (0 for 6) being the most economical.

In reply Eight Ash Green were quickly into their stride with openers Di Passfield (25 retired) and Jamie Newstead (27 retired) scoring steadily well ahead of the rate with both retiring just short of the required total which was comfortably passed in the twelfth over. Mistley used a number of bowlers in an attempt to reduce the rate with Sophie Southgate (0 for 14) the most effective.

Copdock 66 for 9 wkts (2 points) lost to Sudbury 164 for 2 wkts (20 points) by 98 runs.

Kelvedon & Feerring 205 for 3 wkts (20 points) bt Rayleigh 64 for 4 wkts (2 points) by 141 runs.

Kelvedon & Feering got off to a blistering start with their top 3 batters retiring, Birony Butcher (25 retired) V Yates (26 retired) and H Courtnell (28 retired). It was not until the 11 over with K&FCC on 123 that they lost their 1st wicket. K Felsted (28 retired) continued the onslaught and eventually K&FCC closed on 205 for 3. In reply, although the Rayleigh batters fought all the way by not giving up their wickets easily, they still fell a long way short due to some tight bowling from the KFCC bowlers including Rhianon Griffiths (One for 7) and H Ramsey (One for 14).

Gt. Waltham 63 for 7 wkts (1 point) lost to Woodham Mortimer 64 for 1 wkts (20 points) by 9 wkts.

Woodham Mortimer won the toss and chose to put Gt Waltham in to bat. Laura Thorgood (four for 10) opened and took an early wicket, bowling Beck Clout for 0. With consistent bowling from each end Waltham found it hard to get going loosing a few quick wickets. It was not until Laura Parkin (24) attacked with a few boundaries that Waltham's run rate picked up. However, Woodham Mortimer were relentless and kept taking wickets. At the end of the 20 overs Woodham Mortimer had an easy 63 to chase down.

In reply Laura Thorogood (25 retired) and her mum, Holly Thorogood (8) opened the batting, Waltham were working hard to keep the score down but were finding it difficult with Laura's big hitting. Fran Johnson (one for 5) bowled well and took Waltham's only wicket. Thorogood retired and left Woodham Mortimer little to do, they were able to achieve the target within the 9th over and deserved the win.

Old Chelmsfordians 107 for 5 wkts (8 points) lost to Maldon 111 for 6 by 4 runs.

Batting first, Maldon got off to a good start with Emily Penketh (33 Not Out) and Hadfield (28 retired) leading the way. Francis Mower (One for 7), J Bell (One for 9) and Charlotte Mower (One for 12) halted the charge but A Daniels (25 retired) pushed the score along to a challenging total.

In reply, Old Chelmsfordians raced away with openers Francis Mower (25 retired) and K Letts (20) making the ideal start. A run out and Lees (Two for 21) halted progress before S Wilkinson (25 retired) and L Bailey (15 not Out) just failed to reach the target.

Abberton 106 for 3 wkts (20 points) bt Sudbury 77 for 8 wkts (3 points) by 29 runs.

Batting first Abberton got off to a poor start loosing both openers to Lizzie Philp (Three for 20) before Michelle Snow (25 retired) and Hannah Jeffrey (13) recovered the situation. Amy Finbow (25 retired) assisted by Alice Parker pushed the score passed the hundred to set a stiff target.

In reply Sudbury lost early wickets to the accurate Max Harris (One for 4) and Alex Sheperd (Two for 14) before the middle order exerted some pressure on the league leaders with Lucy Philp (11), Penny Everett (14), and Lizzie Philp (15). Hannah Jeffrey (One for 10) then trapped Emma Coone (20) leg before to maintain the league leaders unbeaten record and one point away from retaining their North league title.

Mistley 91 for 5 wkts (4 points) lost to Colchester & EE 92 for 1 wkts (20 points) by 9 wkts.

Colchester won the toss and inserted Mistley. Good bowling from the opening attack restricted the Mistley run rate and chipped away at wickets. It wasn't until Southgate was joined by S Hawes that runs started to flow. Hawes hitting to all parts of the ground to retire. With the re introduction of the opening attack the runs dried again. Colchester set about their target with some powerful hitting with all their batswomen chipping in, the only success being Southgate trapping Toleman on the back foot with a swinging yorker. Colchester reached their target with 5 overs to spare to put the pressure on at the top of the table

Copdock 64 for 9 wkts (3 points) lost to Eight Ash Green 215 for 4 wkts (20 points) by 151 runs.

Put in to bat, Eight Ash Green set about the bowlers with a ferocious onslaught which saw the fifty up in the fourth over with the first six batters having to retire and not loosing their first wicket until 193 runs had been scored! Di Passfield (26 retired), Rachel Cull (26 retired), Debbie green (26 retired), Cheryl Pinch (25 retired) and Jamie Newstead (27 retired) led the way. Michelle Bassett (Three for 29) took three wickets in six balls to skittle out the tail only to see Vanessa Smith (34 not out) return to the crease to continue the onslaught. The final total of 215 is the highest ever achieved in a twenty over league match.

In reply the Copdock openers started very slowly intent on keeping their wicket before two silly run outs compounded their problems with wickets falling at regular intervals. A late stand between Anila Comercial (9) and the sensible Michelle Bassett (19 not out) saw the home side bat out their twenty overs with just one wicket in hand. Debbie Aylward (two for 6) and Vanessa Smith (two for 9) were the main wicket takers for the Green.

Old Chelmsfordians 88 for 9 wkts (4 points) lost to Woodham Mortimer 92 for 2 wkts (20 points) by 8 wkts

Batting first Old Chelmsfordians got off to a good start with Francis Mower (25 retired) and G Collins (24) leading the way. Holly Thorogood (Two for 6) and Victoria Brown (Two for 21) regained control by removing the lower order and keeping the total to a respectable 88.

In reply Woodham Mortimer were quickly away with openers Laura Thorogood (26 retired) and G Melhuish (10) getting ahead of the rate. Victoria Brown (26 retired) continued the chase until Holly Thorogood (11 Not Out) saw the visitor's home. The OCs wicket takers were Luara Bailey (One for 4) and J Bell (One for 21).

Rayleigh 51 for 5 wkts (2 points) lost to Gt. Waltham 114 for 5 wkts (20 points) by 63 runs.

Maldon 62 all out (1 points) lost to Kelvedon & Feerring 63 for 0 wkts (20 points) by 10 wkts.

Maldon batted first against a strong Kelvedon & Feering attack and found it difficult to score with Felicity Lees (8), K Turner (10) and A Daniels (9) the main run makers. A late spell from Johnson (Four for 8) removed the tail to complete the rout with two overs to spare. K Felstead (Two for 10), H Courtnell (One for 4) and Birony Bitcher (One for 8) were the wicket takers.

In reply kelvedon raced away with E Wild (25 retired) supported by V Yates (12 Not Out) and J Lees (16 Not out) reaching their target in the tenth over ensuring top spot for the visitors in the South League with one game left to play.

Old Chelmsfordians 136 for 4 wkts (20 points) bt Gt. Waltham 91 for 6 wkts (6 points) by 45runs.

Sudbury 86 for 6 wkts (5 points) lost to Mistley 87 for 4 wkts (20 points) by 6 wkts.

Sudbury batted first with openers Lucy Philp and Alison Alecock starting the innings solidly and establishing a good partnership. Alecock was unlucky when a ball deflected off her pad and into the stumps. Penny Everett struggled to time the ball against the bowling of Cook and was out for 10 runs. Alison Smith and Amy Harrington soon followed due to some excellent bowling from Mistley. Lucy Philp played an excellent innings retiring on 26. Emily Bradbury was bowled for 6 and Chloe Mills and Jess Shepherdson put together a good partnership to increase the score. Sudbury reached 86 giving Mistley a target of 87.

Mistleys openers put together an excellent partnership which Sudbury were unable to break through early in the innings. Sudburys first wicket came from a caught and bowled by Wendy Pearce removing the number 3 batsman. Chloe Mills bowled excellently taking 2 wickets from her 2 overs (caught by Emily Bradbury and Penny Everett) but unfortunately it was too little too late. Penny Everett bowled Sophie Southgate in the following over but Mistleys wicket keeper was able to hit a four from her first ball to see Mistley home with more than an over to spare.

Copdock 66 for 6 wkts (3 points) lost to Abberton 200 for 5 wkts (20 points) by 134 runs.

Batting first, Abberton lost two early wickets before Sue Theobald (26 retired) and Hannah Jeffrey (26 retired) started the onslaught. more wickets fell. The lower order, Min Patel (25 retired), Alex Shepherd (28 retired), Hellen Barnes (25 retired) and Hannah Porter (25 retired) powered the unbeaten table topping side to a huge total of 200, the highest score ever recorded in the league! Soo Wilkinson ( two for 37) and Flo Wilkinson (one for 28) were the expensive wicket takers.

Undaunted by such a large target, Copdock started slowly and lost wickets at regular intervals. Laney Bulger (11 not out) and A Carmmercial (12 not out) resisted the bowlers but the target was clearly unattainable. Michelle Snow (Two for 4) and Hannah Porter (One for 2) were the economical wicket takers.

Colchester & EE 107 for 4 wkts (20 points) bt Eight Ash Green 102 for 9 wkts (7 points)

Batting first Colchester raced away with Natalie Samaranayake (24) and Kara Tolman(25 retired) putting on 61 for the first wicket in 9 overs. Cheryl Pinch (two for 14) and Chris Jones (One for 23) stemmed the run flow but Lorraine Hartley (16) and Stella Lazell (16) pushed the score along enabling Colchester to set a stiff target of 107.

In reply, Eight Ash Green were quickly away, well ahead of the rate, with Cheryl Pinch (12) leading the way. Natalie Samaranayake (Two for 11) and Lorraine Hartley (Two for 15) stopped the flow until Debbie Aylward (32) and Chris Cunningham (25) put the visitor's in with a chance. With the dismissal of Cunningham and a fine piece of death bowling by Sarah Hanson (Two for 17) Eight Ash Green just failed by 5 runs three fine catches by Stella Lazell, at crucial moments, proving vital to the home side.

Woodham Mortimer 170 for 4 wkts (20 points) bt Rayleigh 46 for 4 wkts (2 points) by 124 runs.

Rayleigh won the toss and invited Woodham to bat first. Thorogood and Melhuish got off to a good start Thorogood retiring on 25 and Melhuish on 26. Good bowling by Rayliegh and in particilar Lennox slowed the woodies down. But Guppy (19 n.o) and H Thorogood upped the pace and got the woodies to 171, H Thorogood retirng on 25. Rayleighs turn to bat and the Woodies got off to a good start L Thorogood and Verlander bowling a maiden a piece. Although wickets were not falling the Woodies continued to bowl tightly in particular Morling who bowled 4 overs for 8 runs inc 2 maidens! Despite some stubborn resistance from Lennox (13n.o) Rayleigh were unable to reach the target

Gt. Waltham 71 all out (4 points) lost to Maldon 96 for 4 wkts (20 points) by 25 runs.

Maldon won the toss and elected to bat first. Mother and daughter Penketh opened the batting and Elisa went on to retire with 25 runs. Gt Waltham fielded and bowled well to keep them under 100. Sister Becky Clout and Rachael Harper opened for Gt Waltham and began well. However several wickets were taken quickly. Once again Mary Shaw scored 25 runs and retired to come back in again one ball later scoring 33 before being bowled

Old Chelmsfordians 69 for 4 wkts (2 points) lost to Kelvedon & Feerring 70 for 3 wkts (20 points) by 7 wkts.

Batting first Old Chelmsfordians got off to a good start with Francis Mower (20 not out) and Kitty Letts (7). The accurate Kelvedon & Feering bowling of Barony Butcher (One for 14), V Tunn (one for 7) and K Falstead (One for 11) made runs hard to come by and restricted OC's to just 69.

In reply, Kelvedon & Feering lost an early wicket but H Courtnell (26 retired), L Johnson (14) and H Holmes (10) saw the visitor's home with ten overs to spare. For OC's Charlotte Mower (One for 12) and K Letts (One for 8) were the wicket takers.

Mistley 105 for 7 wkts (20 points) bt Copdock 58 all out (3 points) by 47 runs.

On a slow pitch Mistley found runs were hard to come by against the slow bowling Copdock attack, eventually after loosing Holly Churchhill without scoring, Sophie Southgate (25 retired) & Michelle Mauger (27 retired) opened up. After their retirement the runs slowed considerably except for Sandy Hawes (19), including 4 fours hit in double quick time. For Copdock, Sue Wilkinson (three for 14), Katie Basssett (Two for 34) and Ulrika Reed (One for 18) stuck to their task and restricted Mistley to 107.
In reply, Copdock opener Stacey Taylor (22) took 13 off Southgate's (Two for 20) first over, mainly behind the wicket. However Holly Churchhill (Three for 14) opened with a double wicket maiden. Although Taylor stayed at the wicket steering the side through, the wickets continued to fall at the other end with only 4 players opening their accounts. Mention must be made of the Mistley catching with Beth Antliff taking a stunning one handed catch at slip and Churchill taking a superb diving catch at short mid off. With Taylor falling to Dixon the Copdock innings ended in the 14 over.

Colchester & EE 110 for 1 wkts (20 points) bt Sudbury 106 for 3 wkts (5 points) by 9 wkts.

Batting first, Sudbury, despite loosing an early wicket, were soon into their stride with Kirsty Sloan (18), Sandra Mackay (19) and Penny Everett (26 retired) leading the way. Ellie Colton (14 not out) chipped in at the end to set a competitive target. For Colchester Kiri Samaranayaker (Two for 17) and Kara Tolman (One for 24) were the wicket takers.

In reply, Colchester raced away with Natalie Samaranayaker (28 retired) and Kara Tolman (26 retired) scoring at will. L Hartley (26 not out) saw the home side ease to victory in the sixteenth over. The sole Sudbury wicket taker was Vik Eley (One for 24), although credit must be given to Penny Everett (0 for 10) and Kirsty Sloan (0 for 13).

Abberton106 for 6 wkts (20 points) bt Eight Ash Green 91 for 8 wkts (7 points)

Batting first, Abberton initially found runs hard to come by loosing two quick wickets to the Green's opening attack. Hannah Jeffrey (27 retired) then set about the bowling scoring six fours in rapid succession. Alex Shepherd (17) scored Steadily supported by Michelle Snow (13) and Hannah Porter (10). the green's bowlers then regained some control with Chris Jones (Two for 18), Karen Dredge (One for 8) and Jamie Newstead (One for 21) taking the wickets.

In reply, Eight Ash Green raced away scoring well ahead of the required rate with Di Passfield (28 retired) and Debbie Aylward (10). An excellent spell of bowling from the in form Hannah Jeffrey (Two for 5) stemmed the rate supported by Alex Shepherd (Two for 17). With the target still in reach Debbie Green (16) and Caroline Hill (12) played sensibly until a devastating spell from Michelle Snow (Four for 9) dashed all hopes of The Green beating their arch rivals and taking top spot.

Woodham Mortimer 90 for 4 wkts (6 points) lost to Kelvedon & Feerring 91 for 4 wkts (20 points) by 6 wkts.

On gloomy evening, Woodham Mortimer won the toss and decided to bat first. A slow start was made due to some really good accurate bowling by Kelvedons bowlers, with k Falsted (One for 16), v Yates (One for 14) and Birony Butcher (0 for 12). The were, however, having trouble rem0ving the opening batsman. Laura Thorogood (28 retired) and Grace Melhuish (22). Victoria Brown (24) then had the task of pushing on which they did to a certain extent in the face of continued good bowling until Melhuish was run out. The innings was as good as over scoring 90.

In the Kelvedon & Feering reply, the woodies made a break through in the first over, a sharp piece of fielding by Mitchell running out Yates for a duck having not faced a ball! Two further wickets fell quickly until a good partnership between H Courtnell (25 retired) and J Lees (26 retired) put Kelvedon on top. A good knock from N Wilson (14 not out) saw Kelvedon through. Laura Thorogood (One for 9) and Hannah Verlander (One for 21) were the only Woodham wicket takers.

Rayleigh 77 for 9 wkts (4 points) lost to Maldon 138 for 5 wkts (20 points) by 61 runs

Gt. Waltham 71 for 3 wkts (3 points) lost to Old Chelmsfordians 72 for 3 wkts (20 points) by 7 wkts.

Gt Waltham opened the batting scoring 71 runs. There was some good running between wickets and Mary Shaw retired with 26. Old Chelmsfordians made a steady start to their innings taking time to adjust to the opening bowlers speed. Waltham fielded well taking 3 wickets, a slow and straight bowl from Alex Pope, a superb catch from Rachael Harper along with a run out from the wicket keeper Teresa Harper. Despite the tight fielding OC's dominant mid order batsmen proceeded to knock the winning runs with overs to spare.

Abberton102 for 2 wkts (20 points) bt Mistley 60 for 7 wkts (2 points) by 42 runs

Batting first, Abberton made a poor start loosing two early wickets before Gemma Worsop (25 retired) and Hannah Jeffrey (25 retired) pull things together for the home side. Michelle Snow (23 not out) then continued the good work Supported by Helen Barnes (9 not out) ending on 102. for Mistley, Sandie Hawes (6 for none) and Michelle Cawson (7 for none) were the most economical of the bowlers with Sophie Southgate (14 for one) the wicket taker.

In reply, Mistley also lost quick wickets until Holly Churchill (12) and Sophie Southgate (25 retired) started to pull things round before Southgate's retirement. Min Patel (3 for three) off 4 and Hannah Porter (8 for one) stifled the runs leaving the visitors well short of the required total.

Colchester & EE 89 for 5 wkts (20 points) bt Copdock 36 all out (2 points) by 56 runs.

Eight Ash Green 125 for 2 wkts (20 points) bt Sudbury 51 for 9 wkts (1 point) by 74 runs

Batting first, Eight Ash Green openers Venessa Smith (25 retired) and Di Passfield (25 retired) raced away at over seven an over with Cheryl Pinch (26 retired) and Jamie Newstead (11) continuing the run feast. For Sudbury, Penny Everett (10 for none) was the most economical with kirty Sloan (27 for one) and alison Smith (28 for one) the wicket takers.

In reply, Sudbury openers Kirsty Sloan (6) and Alison Alcock (13) made a steady start finding runs hard to come by against the accurate bowling of Jamie Newstead (7 for one) backed up by some excellent catching. A devastating spell from Debbie Green (5 for five) removed the middle order. Alison Smith (10) battled Bravely before being run out leaving the visitors well short of the required target.

Kelvedon & Feerring 133 for 5 wkts (20 points) bt Gt. Waltham 54 all out (2 points) by 79 runs.

KFCC batted first and Butcher and Yates steadly put on an opening partnership of 55 by the 10th over. Butcher (25ret) retired and Yates (24)was bowled brought Lees and Felsted who quickly put on 33 runs in only 31/2 overs. The remaining Kelvedon batters kept the momentum up and kelvedon were well satsified with their final total of 133 for 5. Butche (1-3) and Felsted (2-10) opened the bowling and never allowed Gt Waltham into the game. By the 10th over they were 31 for 4. Further good bowling from Tunn (2-9) and an outstanding spell from wager (3-3) took all the fight out of Gt Waltham who crumbled to 54 all out in the 17th over

Maldon 56 all out (5 points) lost to Woodham Mortimer 72 all out (20 points) by 16 runs

Old Chelmsfordians 52 for 1 wkt (20 points) bt Rayleigh 50 for 7 wkts (0 points) by 9 wkts.

Rayleigh 59 for 9 wkts (2 points) lost to Old Chelmsfordians 151 for 4 wkts (20 points) by 92 runs

Batting first, Copdock made a very slow start taking eleven overs to score 14 runs off some tight Eight Ash Green bowling. Two quick wickets brought Michelle Bassett (19) to the crease and after a patient start, hit three fours in quick succession, combined with a number of 'extras', bolstered the score before the innings closed on 54, Copdock's highest score to date. For Eight Ash Green Jamie Newstead (0 for 2) from 4 overs, Debbie Aylward (two for 9) and Cheryl Pinch (one for 8) were the best of the bowlers.

In reply, Eight Ash Green were soon into their stride with openers Wynn Smith (19 Not Out) and Di Passfield (17 Not Out) scoring at will easily passing the total in the eighth over.

Batting first Abberton got off to a flying start scoring at over ten runs per over with the top order, Joe Sibley (25 retired), Sue Theobald (28 retired), Hannah Jeffrey (28 retired) and Amy Finbow (28 retired). The innings was finally closed for 179, a new record for the league!

In reply Sudbury were emediately in trouble loosing early wickets until Stacey Taylor (10) and Michelle Bassette (20) held the middle order together with little hope of achieving the required rate. A fine spell of bowling from Alex Shepherd (four for 11) supported by Hannah Jeffrey (two for 9) saw the demise of Sudbury with five overs to spare.

Sudbury batted first and piled on the runs with the help of a few dropped catches by Mistley. The only bowler to keep the runs down was Sophie Southgate (one for 13) who deserved more wickets than she ended up with. Opener Kirsty Sloan (27 retired) started steadily then a Superb quick innings from Penny Everett (25 retired) and Lucy Phillip (26 retired) set up the big total.

In reply Mistley struggled against a tight Sudbury attack with the speed of Penny Everett (two for 6) being too much for a couple of the home team. Kirsty Slaon (three for 12) and Chloe Mills (two for 1) were the other Sudbury wicket takers.Amy Cook (27 not out) batted well throughout the innings whilst the Wickets fell regularly at the other end. Mistley never threatened the big Sudbury score.

Batting first Colchester were quickly away with Kara Tolman (31) scoring six boundaries in quick succession causing her initial retirement on 27, with 34 coming from the first 4 overs. Jamie Newstead (two for 10) and Vivienne Smith (2 for 14) slowed the rate dramatically with only Alice Best (7) able to keep the scoreboard moving. Karen Dredge (two for 10) took a wicket with her third ball only to see Tolman return to the crease and strike another 4 from her next ball, however a repeat attempt at the stroke from the next ball saw a spectacular caught and bowled leaving the visitors all out with for overs to spare.

In reply, Eight As Green started steadily with Vivienne Smith (11) striking the ball well until a fine catch in the deep by Anna Heywood saw the fall of three quick wickets to Kiri Sanaranayake (three for 11). Debbie Aylward (13), Chris Cunningham (14 not out) and Karen Dredge (10 not out) batted sensibly to see the home side home with three overs to spare.

Batting first, the Rayleigh batters never came to terms with the strong Kelvedon although M King (16) put up stout resistance. wickets fell regularly to K Felsted (three for 10) and was ably supported by T Moore (two for 6) and Haley Ramsey (two for 8). In reply KFCC used the opportunity to use new team members and H Holmes (15) supported by L Cowell (9 not out) saw them home with 12 overs to spare. King (three for 23) and Z Williams (one for 17) were the Rayleigh wicket takers.

Maldon lost the toss and were put into bat by Old Chelmsfordians. K Turner (9), N Hadfield (11) and Emily Penketh (14) started the innings at a reasonable rate but the middle order was unable to score from low bouncing balls. Francis Mower (three for 3)from 3 overs supported by Kate golding (two for 8) and Tracy Latimer (two for 13) were the main wicket takers.. Maldon batted for the full 20 overs but were well below their target score. Old Chelmsfordians lost a wicket from the first ball from N Hadfield (one for 27) but Latimer (11) and A Farrar (20) batted well together and put Old Chelmsfordians well ahead of the run rate. S Harris bowled well conceding only 9 runs from her 4 overs. Emily Penketh (one for 16) and I Patel (one for 11) took a wicket each however Old Chelmsfordians were close to the total set by Maldon and the match finished in the 13th over

Batting first, Woodham Mortimer were quickly away with Laura Thorogood (27 retired) including two sixes, then replacement Victoria Brown (25 retired) followed suit. Debbie Guppy (26 not out) kept going until the end whilst wickets fell at the other end. Fran Johnson (two for 4), Racheal Harper (one for 12) and Sue Kendrick (one for 12) were the Gt. Waltham wicket takers.

In reply Gt. Waltham got off to a good start with Becky Clout (10), Laura Parkin (25 retired) and Mary Shaw (18) and they were well up with the rate. Two fine spells of Bowling from Hannah Verlander (three for 14) and Laura Thorogood (four for 2) w,ith all her wickets falling in the same maiden over, destroyed the Waltham middle order, leaving the visitors well short of their target.

Copdock 70 for 9wkts (4 points0)lost to Mistley 140 for 2 wkts (20 Points) by 70 runs

Eight Ash Green 89 for 7wkts (6 points) lost to Abberton 99 for 7wkts (20 points) by 10 runs

In a repeat of last years league final, Abberton again came out on top after a close, keenly fought encounter.

batting first, Abberton were quickly on the attack with openers Joe Sibley (10) and Amy Finbow (11). the loss of three quick wickets to Debbie Aylward (three for 14) slowed the rate until some hard hitting by Hannah Jeffrey (25 retired) with 16 runs comming off one over. Three wickets fell to Chris Jones (Three for 11) in quick succession until michelle Snow (8 not out) and Hannah Porter (15 not out) took 24 off the last three overs to set a respectable target.

In reply, Eight Ash Green got off to a poor start loosing an early wicket to Jeffrey (Two for 7) until Di Passfield (13), Cheryl Pinch (25 retired) and Jamie Newstead (25 retired) moved the home side ahead of the required rate. Needing 22 off the last three overs, only Karen Dredge (10) could handle the bowling of Jeffrey, Alex Shepherd (two for 8) and Michelle Snow (One for 22), only managing 12 of the required runs, falling ten runs short

Gt. Waltham 152 for 3wkts (20 points) bt Rayleigh 57 for 9 wkts (1 point) by 95 runs

Maldon started briskly against KFCC opening attack and after 8 overs looked like they would post a 100+ total. However, some tight bowling from Yates (2-17) and Johnson (2-9) and some excellent fielding caused Maldon's run rate to slow as wickets fell. At the end Maldon posted a competitive score of 93ao. KFCC's openers Butcher (25no) and Yates (28no) had established a good platform when they both retired, however KFCC run chase was well behind the required rate and although they hadn't lost any wickets they needed to accelerate. KFCC lost 2 quick wickets to E Penketh (2-17) and the game seemed well balanced. But some quick runs from Clark-Parkinson and H Holmes saw them home with 2 overs left by 8 wickets.

Kelvedon and Feering Ladies will be playing a Beaumont Seymour representative side on Monday 25th May at 2.00pm to celebrate the opening of Kelvedon's second ground and 25 years at Rye Mill Lane.

Old Chelmsfordians v Woodham Mortimer - Woodham mortimer won by 67 runs, no details

Copdock 70 for 5 wkts (3 Points) lost to Colchester & EE 163 for 3 by 94 runs (20 Points)

Batting first against the North league's new entrants, Colchester lost an early wicket but Tara Tolman (29 retired) and N Samaranyake (14) made steady progress. The run rate increase rapidly as the Colchester middle order scored freely with K Samaranyake (26 retired), Jenny Grinter (25 Retired) and S Littler (26 Not Out) punishing the Copdock attack. The final total of 163 is a new record for the league and bodes well for the season. S Wilkinson (15 for two) from four overs was the pick of the Copdock bowlers with K White (33 for one) the other wicket taker.

In reply Copdock got off to a poor start loosing two early wickets before A Whitehead (28 Retired) and S Taylor (14) started to pull things around but with such a high total required stood little chance. With their demise scoring slowed dramatically against the tight bowling of Tolman (8 for two), N Samaranyake (12 for 0ne) and K Samaranyake (14 for one) all off four overs. To their credit, the newcomers force colchester to bowl their full twenty overs before conceding defeat by 94 runs.

Mistley 66 for 8 wkts (2 Points) lost to Abberton 110 for 3 wkts (20 points).

Abberton started well with both openers scoring freely. Jo Sibley (26 retired), Alex Shepperd (24) joined by Min Patel (15 Not Out)saw the the run rate slow. Laura Dixon (11 for one) disposed of Shepperd and Sophie Southgate (15 for two) narrowly missed a hat trick as her third ball flew through the slips at catchable hight. With the help of lots of extras Abberton reached 110.

The Mistley reply started steadily with both Michelle Mauger (26 retired) & Amy Cook (9) scoring well, then a direct hit from the boundary saw Cook run out. Wickets then fell at regular intervals against a tight Abberton attack with with Shepherd (14 for Two) and Michelle Snow (14 for two) the main wicket takers. The shot of the night came from 13 year old Alice Antliff (11 not out) with a superb cover drive for 4. A really enjoyable game with a 'more experienced' Abberton side winning over the youth of Mistley

Sudbury 90 for 6 wkts (5 points) lost to Eight Ash Green 91 for 2wkts (20 Points)

Sudbury batted first and got off to a steady start but then lost a wicket in consecutive overs to the acurate bowling of Venessa Smith (5 for one) and jamie Newstead (4 for one), both of four overs. Lucy Philip (25 Retired) joined Penny Everett (18) and together stroked the ball all around the ground pushing up the run rate considerably. A Smith (9 Not Out) and Sandie Hockley (19) continued to scopre freely but Chris Jones (23 for two) took wickets with consecutive balls in the final over. The total of 90 looked a competitive score.

In reply Venessa Smith (28 retired) smashed 18 runs off the first over including a huge six which crashed through a neibouring house window! only took eight scoring shots to reach retirement. Jamie Newstead (16) supported an end until Cheryl Pinch (18 not out) and Rachael Cull (12 Not Out) saw the side home with four overs to spare.

Kelvedon & Feering 27 for 2 wkts (20 Poits) bt Old Chelmsfordians 26 for 9 wkts (1 Point)

Kelvedon & Feering won this first ladies game played on their new 2nd ground. Old Chelmsfordian's had had a successful warm up and expectations were high on both sides. However, a devistating spell of bowling from T Moore (4 for three) and K Felsted (12 for two) ably supported by L Johnson (5 for two) blew away the OCs batting with Charlotte mower (5) top score.

In reply KFCC required only seven overs to knock off the runs with Birony Butcher (10) and V Yates (10 not out). a Farrer (3 for one) and mower (16 for one) the wicket takers.

Maldon 114 for 5wkts (20 Points) bt Gt. Waltham 74 all out by 40 runs (4 points)

Rayleigh 37 for 9 wkts (1 point) lost to Woodham Mortimer 150 for 2 wkts (20 Points)