Maldon Cricket Club see off East Bergholt

The Dons turned up on a damp and overcast Saturday looking to put behind them last week's frustrating defeat to Hadleigh.

After losing what seemed like a very important toss Maldon were unsurprisingly inserted on a wet wicket.

Batting was always going to tricky and posting a score of anything over 160 would be competitive.

Despite losing an early wicket, early contributions of 25 and 23 from Jimmy Ainscough and Ian Elliott were to prove valuable.

A partnership of 56 between the reliable Mackenzie Jones and an impressive Matt Coppen then took Maldon to 136 for four when Coppen was unfortunately run out.

Jones continued to battle through and fell for 47 agonisingly short of a well deserved half century.

Just like the week before the innings was finished off importantly by Matt Anderson (24) and Ross Walpole (19) and a more than competitive total of 200 was posted.

The only setback was a hamstring injury to Anderson meaning he was unable to field.

Luckily with the third XI game called off and future starlet Finn Jones in attendance he was able to act as a more than competent replacement.

In reply Maldon got off to just the start they wanted as both Matt Wild and now Mackenzie Jones with the ball tore through the Bergholt in-form top order.

They produced magnificent and unplayable opening spells that reaped two wickets each and left East Bergholt languishing at 43 for four.

Former Maldon coach Neil Foster’s son Sam looked increasingly dangerous.

But much to Maldon’s delight, Elliott’s first over into the attack halted his march on 64 when Max Bryant took an outstanding diving catch at long on.

That led to both Elliott (3-9) and Jones in his second spell (4-35) racing through the remaining Bergholt batsman to seal victory.

Maldon will look to follow that up on Saturday against Worlington, at Drapers Farm.

Maldon CC's ladies teams are looking for new players.

For more information, contact admin@maldoncc.com