The Sunday 'Developed' XI traveled away to North Weald to play a low scoring match on one of the hottest days of the year. Russ won the toss and chose to bowl due to a slow wicket, the opportunity to bat out for the draw, and to punish several members of the side nursing hangovers. NW started slowly with Jezzard (16) and Wood (15) putting on a solid 50 opening stand. But the introduction of Cook and King to the attack destroyed the host's aspirations of a large total, bowling them out for just over 100. Cook was the pick, with excellent figures of 6 for 18 off 18, with King contributing 1 for 21 off 12. Springfield's reply was dealt an early blow with the loss of skipper Rusty early on, but Troy Nice was on hand to steady the ship with an excellent 43 in harsh, subcontinent conditions supported well by Southwell (26 no) who eventually saw us home with 7 overs to spare.

The Sunday 2s played Willingale at home on another hot June day. Skipper Russ caused many to question his health when he declared we would be having a bat, but his confidence was well justified by superb century by Martin Southwell. Jefferson (36) and Nightingale (24) were the other two main contributors out of a total of 199. Willingale were then reduced to 9 for 3 at one stage, due to a brisk opening spell by Unger (3 for 8 off 9) and a not so brisk opening spell by Clancy (2 for 41 off 10). However, Willingale recovered due to two good knocks by Ward and Copper (43 and 50 respectively), before Gary Nightingale completed a good all round contribution, taking two late wickets. However, Willingale managed to hang on, the result being a well earned and enjoyable draw.

16 JULY against TERLING

In reply, Terling looked good (Marshall 77) until the introduction of Nightingale, turning in figures of 3 for 8 off just 5 overs of leg spin. This helped to set up a tense finish, and after Russ cleared away a few under elevens, Terling were forced to hang on for the final overs, the result being a (winning) draw for the SSII.

In reply, Nice continued his total dominance over North Weald this year, with a career best 85, ably supported by Nightingale (28) and Soloman (22). The drama would continue well beyond the climax of the six-a-side bash though, as with four balls left, Dan Unger smashes one huge six, a four, and then hits a no ball for six, bringing the game back to life for the last 2 balls. Unfortunately, he didn't manage to clear the rope again, but still ended on 18 not out, off just four balls!!! The result was therefore a well played draw, between two well matched friendly sides. President's day points should also be awarded to Weald for their good effort in post-match proceedings, ably assisting the depletion of the clubs Magners stock and even experiencing whatever 70% proof sprit Russ had bought with him. Good effort boys!

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SUNDAY II TEAM

This Sunday afternoon SSII went away to the lovely village of Willingale, which has more churches than pubs - crazy! Russell won the toss and batted, allowing D.Unger to tuck into Willingales’ attack before being caught for 66. Other knocks of note came from Soloman (24) and Southwell (29), with Springfield finishing on a competitive total of 170-6.

In reply, Mahmood routed Willingales’ top order with 3 quick wickets. However, Willingale recovered through Whitbread (41) and Hayter (40 not out). Wickets from Southwell and Nightingale ensured it went down to the last over, and another dramatic Mahmood wicket and then a run out when scores were level bought it down to the last 2 balls. Unfortunately, a scrabbled single saw Willingale come out winners in a tense and close match.

Springfield made their first trip to Little Bardfield, and were very pleased to find near perfect surrounding for a friendly game of Sunday cricket. Rusty once again chose to bat first, and with young Clancy seeing off the opening bowlers with class (30 off 46) a platform was set for some lower order thugery from Unger (50 from 58) and Southwell (31 not out). Springfield ended on 189 for 8. In reply, only 3 Bardfield batsmen made starts, and good bowling from all-stars Southwell and Unger taking 5 wickets between them, and some tight lines from Attwell, McDermott and Nightingale made the chase hard work. Bardfield finally fell 5 runs short, and another good ‘winning-draw’ was recorded for the SS2s.

The Sunday Second eleven hosted Rayleigh under some grey skies at the Corra. The visitors batted first and it didn’t take long for opening bowler come rock star Gregory to strike – the first ball of the match to be exact. Another wicket for Gregory, 2 for 17 from Attwell, another Southwell 4-fer and wickets for Soloman and McDermot saw Rayleigh bowled out for just 150, Ginby top scoring with 37 supported by Ellis with 36.

Clancy got Springfield off to a blistering start (16 for 0 off 2 overs) before falling early on. Nice and Graham steadied the ship but then came bogged down by some good Rayleigh bowling (18 from 66 and 14 from 66 respectively). Some late innings slogging from Soloman, Jones, Nightingale, Gregory and Attwell made a game of it, but with one wicket left and one ball remaining it was down to Southwell to dot in back to the bowler, Springfield falling just 6 runs short. The result was therefore another draw, and both teams went away with their pride intact.

With no wins since Presidents day, it was time for skipper Russ to flee to Hylands Park and the Virgin festival, giving responsibility for turning the SS2s fortunes around to the young, brave and strong Tim Clancy. Terling were the visitors and after losing the toss, they were put in the field, a shrewd move by the Springfield captain. Or not so. Some good Terling bowling saw openers Southwell and Nice struggle to create a good platform, before both falling in the 24th over with the score in the sixties (Nice 27 from 67 and Southwell 29 from 72). A mini-collapse followed, with Springfield reduced to 68 for 4 with time running out. Enter Clancy and Figg (on debut) who put together 34 in quick(ish) time before Figg fell for 11. Unger then came to the crease, he and Clancy putting on a crucial 74 for the 6th wicket. Clancy holed out for 40, and Unger went on the reach 57 before getting out in the same manner, both looking for quick runs to allow and early declaration. Springfield finished on 220 for 8.

In reply, Terling struggled, McDermott recording 4 for 53 off 14 and overseas sensation Adel Jaungher also taking 2 wickets. Only C.Marshall (43) showed any real resistance as the Sunday Seconds got back to winning ways, Terling falling short by 118 runs.

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The first in a double header at the lovely Eastons, Springfield left Chelmsford with a strong team, despite being Rusty-less. Regardless, winning the toss and choosing to bat, Clancy found himself joining Unger at the crease with the score 2 for 2, the Mahmood partnership contributing no runs. A partnership of 44 was forged before the stand in skipper fell for a paltry 18. Chalks arrival heralded some runs at last, him and Unger putting on 103 before Chalk fell for a smart 51. Unger batted on, and duly reached hishundred, battering another 17 before time was up (Unger 117 not out off 70). Springfield ended on 206 for 6.

Eastons put up a good fight with the bat, Carsberg being the main stay ending on 95. Nightingale’s 3 wickets (two in two balls), and Southwell and F. Mahmood also taking two wickets made it close, but Eastons held until the dying end. With one more wicket needed, Springfield claimed the honorable draw.

Sunday 2s moved into their penultimate month of cricket (let us not forget October!) by returning to Eastons, this time with Russell J back at the helm. In a reverse of last week, Eastons batted and were quickly reduced to 40 for 6 by Gregory (3 for 6 off 6) and Durrant (2 for 23). With no real resistance other than Gould (39), McDermott and Nightingale finished up with 2 and 3 wickets respectively. Eastons were dismissed for 132. Another bad start with the bat saw Solomon go without scoring, quickly followed by Nice. However, skipper Russ and Luke ‘The Force’ were on hand to steady the ship with some well controlled bashing. Victory came quickly, with many a four being hit, and a nice even sprinkling of sixes also. Russell ended on 52 not out (53) and Luke 80 not out (46). Another one in the ‘win’ column!

After the Slovenian shenanigans, it was business as usual again for those members who could be bothered to return to England. Batting first, Solomon and W. Mahmmod both attacked. Mahmood went first with the score on 130, for 43, with Solomon falling 40 runs later for a sparkling 80 off 104 balls. Runs also came from Welshman (19) and Southwell (32 not out) in a total of 220 for 3.

In reply, Takely never looked in the hunt. Gregory opened up with 2 wickets, and F. Mahmood was unlucky with his 0-fer, as was Northfield. MerDermott bowled well, taking 2 wickets, with pie chucker Clancy also removing two unfortunate batsmen. Takely hung on though, Phillips bashing 93, and with four wickets still needed at close, and Takely on 170, it was beers all round as Springfield ‘celebrated’ another good draw.

Reports by Tim Clancy

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For the last time in this two thousand and six season, Russell led out his men on the pitch of cricket against Stebbing. As this was the first time we had met these might opposition, it was only right that we should field first. Gregory and Welshman opened the bowling, doing a good job and getting a wicket each. The mantle was carried on by Unger (2 for 7), Mcdermott (2 for 10) and Southwell (2 for 2 off 2). Nightingale also recovered from a rickety start, with Clancy senior bowling some wobbly seamers, in more ways than one. Stebbing were finally bowled out for 149. Springfield started solidly, the ever green Southwell scoring a third of the runs (55 not out). Another great Clancy knock (37) along with hasty 20-somethings from Russell and James Welshman completed the win, which at one stage looked in doubt.

And so goes another season. It has been a pleasure, no, an honor to be able to report the proceedings of our humble little cricket team this year, and, as this is my last word for the time being, I am going to take the opportunity to wish you all a merry Christmas and a very happy new year. I have been Tim Clancy, and you have been reading the Springfield Sunday Second team match reports. Thank you and good bye.

Report by Tim Clancy

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