Haverhill 98 For 8

M Wilkins 48 Not Out,

Hartest and Coldham Hall CC 101 For 2

Roberts 44 [16 Balls], Hodge Not Out 27


   Captain Bryant won the toss and decided to insert today's opposition of Haverhill who thought on a green pitch there maybe some gremlins lurking between the blades of grass - there was not any to be found only an exceptional bowling of Jack Armstrong backed up very well by David Hodge.

   The pair were dominating the batsmen so much that the overs were ahead of the runs at one point and after 20 overs Haverhill had mustered only 25 without hitting a boundary but losing A and J Craig in two balls bowled by Jack Armstrong with real fierce pace.

 Hodge came out of the shadows to bowl Bolton and Armstrong claimed B Wilkins for 6 after 14 overs, Haverhill were struggling with just two top bowlers on top form where the pitch was not an issue only in the minds of the Haverhill batsman.

   M Wilkins used his experience and need to rebuild and was the main stay of the Haverhill innings although he found it difficult to get the ball away he stayed in and ground out a score but did not have to much support so when second change bowlers Dave Armstrong with Matt Hoadley he had to take a few more risks although the Hartest fielding except for two dolly catches that went down was exceptional plus how quickly they got through the overs with rain due later in the day.

   Haverhill were so tied down with heroic fielding and good bowling the innings closed on 98 for 8 and M Wilkins unbeaten just short of his 50 by making 48 not out.

   After another great tea via Judith Atkinson, Dave Armstrong and the Chairman's good lady Fiona Ralling who was supporting an appearance of John Ralling chairman of Hartest and Coldham CC with some slick moves in the field it was becoming a great day.

   Hodge and Roberts opened the batting where if proof was needed about the pitch Roberts bludgeoned a score of 44 in 16 balls including a five four's in one over with Hodge giving him the strike plus taking out the Haverhill attack in three overs 24 where Haverhill were on 25 after 20 - gremlins I think not!

   Rain was the only thing going to save Haverhill and although a slight few drops were falling B Atkinson quickly followed Roberts back being caught after just moving the game to it's inevitable conclusion for 3 but Matt Hoadley swung the bat with a couple of sixes and the game was up and another twenty points to the Hartest and Coldham team making it 4 wins in 4 games.

   Special mentions to Ground staff Peter and Jake Richards for there work plus Captain Bryant with his team up at the pitch from early Sunday to get the game on plus it was a superb wicket had Hartest and Coldham Hall CC batted first trust me it could have been carnage 350 - 400 quite easily.

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