ESSEX COUNTY CRICKET LEAGUE

Premier Division

Walthamstow had their opposition's number eleven to thank after they beat Ford by three runs on Saturday. 

Batting first, Walthamstow started brightly with openers Matthew Guest (26) and Nigel Bloch (35) looking comfortable and scoring freely.

Several rain breaks slowed the Stows run rate down before weather halted the proceedings on 103 for three.

Several hours passed and when play resumed later in the afternoon, Ford were given the task of chasing down 104 for victory in 21 overs.

Ford’s opening pair got them off to the best possible start as they raced to 37 without loss off only three overs.

But Matt Hawkins (one for 11) and Deepan Kandeepan (three for 15), along with Zabehulah Mohammad, hauled the Stow back into the game.

Ford needed ten runs in the final over and when the first ball was crashed through wide mid-on for four, it looked as if it might just be their day.

Tight bowling from Zisan Abedin led to a flurry of suicidal run outs meaning with one wicket remaining, Ford needed four runs off the final ball to win. 

They'll never know what might have been however as their number 11, discouraged by the rain, had gone home early and Ford were forced to concede defeat.

Stow’s fourth victory on the bounce sees them move up to second place behind undefeated Goresbrook.