High Beach claim victory at third time of asking

11:29am Tuesday 20th May 2008

CRICKET

Birchanger 175-a/o
High Beach 176-5
(Herts and Essex Lge Div Two) AT the third time of asking High Beach finally got into their stride with a thoroughly efficient victory at Birchanger.

On winning the toss on a damp pitch High Beach opted to bowl.

In his first over Recce Hanna comprehensively bowled Birchanger's opener Gladwin for a duck.

Despite this early set back Birchanger's batsmen began to build partnerships with Edwards and Bass building sound foundations until Edwards was caught in the covers for 28.

Bass was then joined by Gillard who made a quickish 25.

With wickets starting to fall it was essential that Bass carried his bat if Birchanger were to post 200 plus.

To the Beach's delight, Robin Bear was able to tempt Bass into a big shot and was very well caught on the boundary at deep midwicket.

Birchanger were only able to post their final total due to the sound batting of Parker who contributed a good 27.

For the Beach the best return was by Paul Glasgow who achieved figures of 4-28 despite suffering from sciatica and Mick Evans who bowled his off spin at the death and returned excellent figures of 2-29.

However, the main difference for the Beach on previous games was that a noticeably younger side fielded exceptionally in wet conditions, taking seven out of eight catches offered by the opposition.

In reply for the Beach openers, Sumner (nine) and Apps (ten) were able to steer the Beach through the first 10 overs and create a base.

A partnership of 50 between Mickey Bear and Mickey Evans (26) then placed the Beach firmly in control of the match.

In particular, skipper Mickey Bear was back to his attacking best and scored strongly through the extra cover region.

In the latter part of the innings Bear was supported by grizzled veteran Paul Smith, who scored a gritty 19 not out.

Bear was bowled by the persevering Ahmed for 82 with the score on 151.

The Beach were then seen over the finishing line by a quick cameo from Recce Hanna (12) and Smith who opened up his shoulders to play some lusty blows.

The Beach will be looking to continue to maintain their winning ways next week in a home game against long-term adversaries High Roding.

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