21 May 2014
Club Cricket Conference v Essex 2nd XI, 20 May 2014 @ Billericay CC
The following report sounds as though I invented it sitting at the bar, but the truth was I witnessed nearly 800 runs scored in 100 overs on what was “a road”.
The difference in the match was in the bowling department, good batting on this pitch was almost taken for granted. Essex won the toss and elected to bat.
At 9 for 2 the Conference were off to a good start, but at 237 for 3, it didn’t look so impressive. Velani (134) & Puchert (119) followed by Taylor (95) all looked quality players, and as said, on a wicket with good pace and bounce they were all inventive in their stroke play. The CCC bowling lacked length and sometimes line, of which Velani especially took full advantage. Taylor a Norfolk lad also looked impressive. For the Conference, Ed Wharton took 4 of the 5 wickets, but went for 80 off his 10 overs. Looking at the bowling analysis, he still went for less than the other bowlers that were unfortunate enough to complete their full quota. Tom Phillippe (Shenfield) kept wicket well, soft hands and quick feet are the two basics and he had both. Plus, no byes. Mind you, it didn’t go past the bat very often!
So, heads were down on completion of the Essex innings at 443 for 5 and a mammoth task faced our lads in the second half. However, what was important at this point was to ensure the CCC gave a good account of themselves in reply. No million dollar batting, steady start, don’t lose early wickets!
The CCC did exactly that. A great partnership of 198 for the first wicket between Captain Jon Walford and Aaron West (both of Brentwood) was entertaining to watch and just as clinical as the Essex batting. It also must not be forgotten that Essex had no less than three front line bowlers in Topley, Mahmood and Phillips in their line up. Jon missed out on what would have been a fine hundred with 92, but Aaron continued until dragging on for 127. Good luck to him at Hampshire, and judging by this performance he will go far. Eddie Ballard also looked impressive with a good 77, supported by a quick fire 24 by Waqas Hussain. However, the target was out of reach (it probably always was) but the CCC lads made them work for the win, and most importantly earned the respect they deserved from their County opposition.
CCC -343 for 3. Two important factors summed up this result; Essex bowled tighter lines than the CCC, and fielded better.
To conclude, in my view, the game has moved on so much in the past twenty years especially in batting terms, clearing the left leg and hitting it from off (with a railway sleeper) through the leg side was not taught at Ilford Cricket School in the 80’s, let alone the 60’s. I have no doubt that scores in 50 over cricket will continue to rise to a point where fewer than 400 will be considered to be a poor total. Bowlers will have to play an even more important part in limiting this natural progression with more control and the fielding will have to become even more athletic than it is already.
This match was a pleasure to watch and thanks to all that took part. This includes the umpires who no doubt suffered from aching arms and the scorers with sore writing hands the morning after. Also, a big thank you to Barry Hyam and Essex, your courtesy and professionalism was first class. A final thank you to Billericay CC for a great wicket and good hospitality, plus the CCC President Paul Hooper, Coach Mark Stear, and the CCC management team for being supportive as always.
The “old has-been” in the blazer (me) was thoroughly entertained!
David Goldsmith. (CCC Match Manager v Essex 2nd XI)
Full scorecard here