Fives sea sick

IN DAMP and very overcast conditions at the Paddock Fives slipped to a heavy defeat at the hands of Westcliff-on-Sea after a poor batting display.

The hosts won the toss and elected to open the batting.

Against a strong bowling attack they found themselves struggling on 24-4, with Gary Edwards looking on from the other end, as Daniel Stevens (two), Tom Yallop (five), Neil Braithwaite (one) and Terry Ballard, no score, were all quickly removed.

Ben Britton joined Edwards at the crease to come in and play an aggressive counter attacking innings, punishing anything wide or short.

However once Britton was removed for 32 and Edwards also departed in quick succession on 30, the writing was on the wall and the innings closed at 3.50pm with only Chris White (10) managing the only other double-figure score.

This left Fives at least 50 below par on a track which was offering some assistance to the bowlers, and in particular Westcliff skipper Jon Pratt who picked up seven of the Fives wickets at an expense of just 41 runs.

The hosts needed early wickets to stand a chance, but although Tom Clark and Johnny Kay bowled a reasonable line and length it wasn't until the introduction of Chris White that they made a breakthrough, which he quickly followed by a second dismissal as the Fives boys were beginning to sense an unlikely win.

But while Josh Peters secured a third wicket Fives could not find another breakthrough as Westlciff cruised to a seven-wicket win with over 90 minutes of play remaining, thanks largely to undefeated contributions of 37 and 39 from Paul Baynard and Tim Wade respectively.

Reflecting on the result, skipper Ballard said: "It was a disappointing performance and maybe another 50 runs might have made the difference in difficult conditions.

"We will however need to show more discipline this week when we face league leaders Woodford Wells."