Ashdon v High Beach – Sat 1 May 2010 (HECL Div3)

Ashdon 164-all out, High Beach 165-9

High Beach got their 2010 league campaign off to a winning start but only by the narrowest of margins, following a nerve jangling climax to the match. Ashdon batted first on a juicy pitch which offered prodigious lateral movement and also varying amounts of additional bounce. Following the early departure of Leach, bowled by the decidedly lively Reece Hanna, a dogged partnership then developed between Ormsby (31) and the impressive Millership (46), who dealt severely with any short delivery. Both batsmen departed with the Ashdon’s total in the 80’s with Jim Kent’s gentle swingers accounting for both batsmen. Ashdon were finding it tough to score quickly with Alex Brooks (0-31) bowling a highly disciplined spell of medium pace to check the scoring rate. While Mickey Bear (3-56) getting good movement was able to pick up three middle order wickets. In fact the Ashdon final total was mainly due to a hard hit 44 by last man out P Salt who hit 4 sixes in his innings. However, he found little support as the returning Reece Hanna accounted for the tail recording excellent figures of (4-11). Despite the lowish score with the pitch still providing movement the Beach needed to bat well in order to win the match. After an initial promising start skipper Mickey Bear was bowled for 6, he was soon followed by Danny Hanna (6), Sumner (11) and Gilbert (4) with the very impressive P Salt picking up 3 of the 4 wickets to fall all bowled. The Beach innings was in official crisis when Evans (18) was LBW with the score on 65 and Alex Brooks was then stumped for 0. The Beach’s innings was being held together by Paul Glasgow who was managing to score freely while also providing a solid defence. Chris Connors (11) provided some support for Glasgow but he departed with the score on 108 caught off the returning Salt and was followed next delivery by Reece Hanna who unluckily played on. The Beach then mounted a stout fightback with Glasgow and Bailey (15) dragging the score to 144 before Bailey was adjudged LBW. A mixture of stoic defence by Jim Kent (2 not out) and well placed shots by Glasgow, who finished on a magnificent 66 no, finally dragged the Beach over the finishing line.

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Stansted v High Beach, Sat 8 May 2010 (HECL Div3)

Stansted 223-5, High Beach 112-all out

A weakened High Beach were decisively beaten by a strong Stansted team. High Beach won the toss and put Stansted into bat on a lively wicket offering carry and early movement. The Beach opening bowlers, produced miserly spells, with Paul Glasgow particularly parsimonious. However it was not until the introduction of Mickey Bear that the first wicket fell, with Cope (10) being caught at mid on. Fellow opener Gardener (17) soon followed wonderfully caught and bowled by Reece Hanna. With the score in the 70’s Stansted skipper Parsons (10) was bowled by Bear. However, Stansted then ruthlessly wrestled the initiative back from the Beach and took control. Batting with timing and panache Kirby (105 not out) scored freely all around the wicket; he was ably supported by Burgoine (35). No Beach bowler in the closing overs was able to staunch the flow of runs with Evans (0-61) receiving a great deal of tap. Stansted’s score of 223 was at least 20 runs above par on what was not a complete batsman’s paradise. Pick of the bowlers for the beach was Bear with 2-34.

In reply the Beach got off to a poor start with Fiesal Islam bowled for a duck. With excellent opening bowling from Baker and Abbotson the Beach were already under pressure. However Sumner and especially Dan Hanna began to find ways of scoring and were able to take the score to 44. Then Baker produced  an excellent yorker to bowl Sumner (10). His departure led to a flurry of wickets with Dan Hanna being well caught for 39, Evans (6) caught off a leading and Reece Hanna bowled for a duck. With the score on 65-5 any chance the Beach had of getting a respectable score lay with Paul Glasgow and skipper Mickey Bear. The pair dragged the score to 100 before they both fell in quick succession as the two batsmen were bounced out by Ayres. The end was soon in sight and the coup de grace  performed by Ayres who bowled last man Bailey (2).

The Beach will need to regroup in order to be more competitive in future matches.

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High Beach v Potter Street, Sat 22 May 2010 (HECL Div3)

Potter Street 230 – all out, High Beach 234 - 7

High Beach emerged victorious from a titanic struggle, which went down to the last over, on a warm energy and nerve sapping day.

Potter Street were asked to bat first on a pitch offering some early movement. The early breakthrough was made by creaking veteran paceman Mick Evans who bowled Huq for a duck. Potter Street then began to build a strong base before their momentum was checked when Glasgow had Katoch caught in the gully. Then another good partnership developed of over 50 between Bastola and Sagdeson before Jim Kent tempted Bastola (36) to hit the ball to mid off.  Potter Street’s progress slowed, with the Beach setting good fields and Alex Brooks again bowling a workmanlike spell (1-39). However, Sagdeson was playing well until he was eventually dismissed for 61 caught and bowled by Gregory. With overs running out Potter Street went for quick runs with Hussain (35) and Khawaja (28) scoring quickly. Young seamer Gregory bowling at the death suffered damage to his figures (3-83) but wickets continued to fall and Potter Street were dismissed for 230 in the final over - a good score although it was slightly below par on a good pitch with a quick outfield.

In reply the Beach got off to a bad start with Brooks caught at cover for 3 and then Sumner (9) being run out, following a bad call by his partner. With the score on 33, Connors (8) was bowled. However, a partnership between Evans and Gregory, who were both playing good strokes, took the score to 80 before Gregory (18) was caught at cover. His dismissal led to the skipper, Mick Bear, coming into bat.  The score moved on to 127, until having scored 25, he missed a full toss and was bowled.  Paul Glasgow joined Evans at the crease and the two batsmen played excellent cricket dealing with any ball which was offline harshly. The partnership took the score to over 200 until Evans who had scored 94, was bowled.  Despite this setback, Glasgow who finished undefeated on 54, steered the Beach home to a hard fought victory.

The Beach now intend to use this victory to kick on for the rest of the season.

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High Beach v Roding Valley, Sat 12 June 2010 (HECL Div 3)

Roding Valley 236 - 5, High Beach 237 - 5

This weeks visitors to Pepper Alley were Local rivals Roding Valley. High Beach were looking to get a good result this week after the rain abandonded game at Woodford Wells last week.

In warm sunny very batsmen friendly conditions Roding Valley batted first and created a good opening platform from Ben Venus (38) and Alex Jeater (65) with a opening stand of 102. Beach opening bowlers Reece Hannah and Paul Glasgow bowled well but with no success, both going for 44 and 45 runs each without a  wicket from their alloted 10 overs. Change bowlers Evans and Kent eventually removed Jeater and Venus, Evans (2-47) pick of the bowling, and Kent (2-49) continued their wicket taking efforts, collecting Jaleem for (9) and Roberts for (0). Valley continued to build on their opening partnership with Kieron Horgan a fine (62 ) not out, Hussain collected  important runs (19) bowled by Captain Mick Bear (1-47). With wicket keeper and ex Beach player Mick Curtis (20 not out) Valley finally tallying 236 for 5 wickets from their 45 overs.

High Beach started well in reply with openers  Connors and Smith keeping the Valley Bowlers at bay until Connors (24) was caught by Venus off the bowling of Naeem. Reece Hannah then joined Smith at the crease and hit a quick fire (34 ) off 25 balls. Next came Evans, in fine form after his (96) from 2 weeks ago, but after a promising start  he was caught in the deep off the highest skier seen this season, for 11.  Smith dropped anchor and continued  to keep the Valley bowlers out, Capt. Mick Bear joined him, and scored a fine (40 ) off 35 balls to keep things moving quickly along.  By now, with this momentum continuing, Beach were well in control. Smith was then bowled by Runham trying to push things along further for a good solid 54 batting some 41 overs in total. All rounder Glasgow (22 not out) and Dan Hannah (6) saw Beach comfortably home to complete the win.  Valley bowled well on a good flat High Beach wicket in sunny conditions, with pick of the bowling going to Runham 2-40 off his 10 overs. Naeem 1-62, Hussain 1-33 and Horgan 1-35 all contributing well.

Beach will be hoping to carry their winning ways to Willingale next week to keep their push for promotion  back to division 2. A good game played in the right spirit and thoughly enjoyed by all that played, credit for this  must go to both sides.

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Willingale v High Beach, Sat 19 June 2010 (HECL Div3)

Willingale 178-9, High Beach 179-5

High Beach furthered their promotion push by emerging victorious from a hard-fought battle with Willingale.

Willingale were asked to bat in difficult conditions. Persistent showers and a very strong wind made bowling difficult while a seaming pitch also made batting tough. Opening the bowling Paul Glasgow and Mickey Bear both got early movement and were able to restrict the Willingale batsmen. However, the Beach only picked up the solitary wicket of Ellswood (24) caught at slip off Bear. Following this breakthrough Willingale began to look like they were going to post a big score. The introduction of Steve Game changed that. Bowling his gentle seamers, Game returned excellent figures of (4-33). He was ably assisted by Mickey Evans who also picked up (3-31). Between them they destroyed the Willingale middle order. In fact Willingale’s final score was thanks to a final wicket partnership of 40 between Airey (12 not out) and Read (27 not out).

Batting second the pitch was still lively and the Beach would need to bat well in order to win the game.  They got off to a sound start with openers Barckley Sumner and Chris Connors seeing off the new ball bowling attack. The pair were parted with the score on 35 when Connors (11) was caught at backward square leg. The score was taken to 66 before Alex Brooks (11) was bowed by junior High. At the other end Sumner was playing a nuggety innings, mixing watchful defence, judicious leaves (does that mean he played and missed a bit? – ed) and scoring off loose balls. Both Mick Evans (28) and Danny Hanna (21) played quick free scoring cameos which flattered to deceive before they were both dismissed by the excellent Robinson (3-22). With the score on 149, Sumner was finally dismissed bowled by Robinson for 49.  There were few further causes for concern as Steve Game (31 not out) and John Gregory (8 not out) took the Beach to victory.

The Beach will take good heart from this victory and will hope to continue their good form into the next few weeks.

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High Beach v South Loughton II, Sat 26 June 2010 (HECL Div3)

South Loughton II 174-8, High Beach 175-6

Following a few minor scares High Beach overcame bottom of the table South Loughton to record a relatively comfortable victory.

After being asked to field first, High Beach’s opening bowlers Mickey Bear and Paul Glasgow produced probing spells. Bear eventually picking up both South Loughton openers Phillips (8) and Henman (26). They were followed by Jim Kent who bowled a good spell of controlled swing (1-33) and Mickey Evans bowling a combination of swing and seam to destroy the South Loughton middle order and return figures of (4-30). South Loughton’s eventual total was largely due to some late scoring by Bates (31). However, the score of 174 was at least 50 runs short on a good wicket and a fast outfield.

High Beach approached their innings knowing that if they batted sensibly they should win comfortably. The South Loughton opening bowlers Rubyat and Oliver initially caused some problems to the Beach openers with a  mixture of swing and seam. Connors (5) soon fell to a big swinging delivery bowled by Oliver. Danny Hanna then hit a quickfire 28 before falling LBW to Oliver. With the score on 79 opener Barckley Sumner (18) was well caught at long on off of off spinner Henman. (good job he wasn’t caught at long off! – ed). Soon after with the score just shy of 100, Mickey Evans (29) also holed out in the deep off Henman’s bowling. Although the Beach were scoring quick runs they were still losing wickets at regular intervals. Martin Gilbert hit a powerful 29, before hitting across the line at Henman and being bowled. With the score on 152, Paul Glasgow (26) was caught at extra cover after failing to hit Bates over the top. However, there were no further alarms as Ross Foulds (11 not out) and Alex Brooks (11 not out) took the Beach through to victory with over 15 overs remaining.

The victory puts the Beach into third place and sets up for the second half of the season.

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Ashdon v High Beach, Sat 3 July 2010 (HECL Div 3)

High Beach 201-9, Ashdon 205-5

High Beach suffered a comprehensive defeat against a strong focussed Ashdon unit.

Upon losing the toss, the Beach were asked to bat on a pitch offering movement and bounce to the opening bowlers. They got off to a good start and had scored 36 before Chris Connors (30) was caught behind off Noakes. However, all the Beach batsman were troubled by the excellent opening spell of P Salt (1-11) who eventually had Paul Smith (13) caught behind. The Beach continued to make progress however an excellent spell of spin bowling by Steve Salt (3-33) slowed their progress. He picked up the prized wicket of Mickey Evans bowled for 24. Danny Hanna looked like he was going to make a big score until he holed out at long on for 27. The innings was given fresh impetus by Reece Hanna (44) who put on a good sixth wicket partnership of 50 with stand in skipper Alex Brooks (28).  But when they both departed the Beach were unable to eek out a few more critical runs in the closing overs. While their total of 201 was respectable it was probably 30 runs short on an ideal score.

In reply Ashdon looked to score positively from the start but were setback by some excellent new ball bowling by Paul Glasgow who produced exceptional swing to record figures of (2-33). He received good support from Reece Hanna (1-26) who picked up the wicket of Furze (19). When the dangerous P Salt was well caught at slip off Jim Kent it looked like the Beach would quickly wrap up the Ashdon innings. However, critically the Mallett was dropped early and then again later as he went on to score 87 not out, taking a distinct liking to the Beach change bowlers. He was well supported by S Gardiner (30) and they took Ashdon to the verge of the winning post. But despite picking up Gardiner’s wicket the Beach were unable to make any further breakthroughs.

The Beach now need to regroup and ensure they have a strong second half of the season.

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High Beach v Stansted, Sat 10 July 2010 (HECL Div 3)

High Beach 237-9, Stansted 166 all out

With Stansted at the top of the Table and High Beach 3rd this was a game with an outcome to affect both clubs in their challenge for division 3 promotion.

Stansted won the toss and elected to field, with conditions warm, bright and sunny, and very much favouring batting on the usual flat High Beach wicket, High Beach started well with Connors taking 8 off the first over, only to watch his opening partner Smith return back to the pavilion for 0 in the second over, caught at gully with the score on 20. Connors followed soon after for a quick 18, caught with the score still on 20. This brought Mick Evans to the crease but he was unable to continue his recent run of form and failed to score, was stumped by the Stansted wicket keeper having gone walk about (Australian term) at the crease with the score 20-3 off 6 overs. Captain Mick Bear steadied the ship and went about bludgeoning the Stansted attack with shots all over the ground (17x4, 4x6) with support from Dan Hannah (8) and Paul Glasgow (36). Reece Hannah then joined him only to add to Noori's tally of wickets caught for (0). Froom joined Bear and was caught off the bowling of Abbotson for another (0). Hannah Snr joined the captain and batted with all the cunning a player of his many years of experience brings, he was eventually (40 not out) pulling the beach innings around. Bear  went on to score a very effective (115) being bowled by Noori with the score on 208 despite receiving an injury while batting (pulled leg muscle). Gregory then joined the ever-expanding “0” club with Robin Bear Snr. remaining (0 not out ) at the close of the 45 overs. Beach had somehow stumbled to a reasonable score of 237 – 9, but the 6 (0's) within the innings must be a concern. Pick of the Stansted bowling were Abbotson 3-51 and Noori 3-57, with Ayres adding good support with 2-25 and Baker 1-52.

In response Beach bowled well but with what now seems to be the usual lack of wickets. Opening bowler, Reece Hannah, collected Kirby for (31) clean bowled, while Glasgow produced the usual miserly spell only going for 29 runs. Beach continued to bowl well, with little success until Mick Bear removed Cope for (10) clean bowled, but it was the introduction of Evans and Gregory which became Stansted’s downfall. With Evans removing Noori mid innings for (2) caught Dan Hannah, and Gregory bowling Parsons for (7) things were beginning to move in the right direction for the Beach. With only Abbotson offering some resistance (32 not out).The remaining Stansted wickets continued to fall, Evans picked up Kealy c&b for (6) with Gregory accounting for Roach (5), Gardiner (31), Ayers (10) and Baker (0) with an inspired spell - something this young bowler has been promising in recent weeks and delivering just at the right time for the Beach. The Beach bowling figures were as follows: Glasgow 1-29, Reece Hannah 1-31, Robin Bear Snr. 0-19, Mick Bear 1-12, Gregory 5-22, Evans 2-36. Stansted eventually were all out for 166 off 38.2 overs,some 71 runs short of the target, mainly Thanks to the efforts of Captain Mick Bear and John Gregory. A good win for the Beach which helps to pursue their quest for promotion, however their batting must improve and not be reliant on one or two players to deliver the required runs.

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Potter Street v High Beach, Sat 24 July 2010 (HECL Div3)

Potter Street & Church Langley 125-10, High Beach 129-5

High Beach maintained their promotion push in division 3 with a hard won victory over Potter Street.

Bowling first the Beach got off to a good start with John Gregory having the dangerous Katach (1) caught at square leg. Following this early dismissal, and despite repeatedly beating the bat, the Beach were unable to pick up further wickets until the introduction of Jim Kent who induced a rash shot from Wise (10) and bowled him. At the other end Bastola was playing a solid, well timed innings and received good support from Armstrong, until he was forced to play an ambitious shot off Paul Glasgow and was caught at point for 36. The innings then turned on its head when opening bowler Reece Hanna returned for a second spell and destroyed Potter Street’s middle and lower order picking up excellent figures of (5-30). Hanna received good support from Gregory who again returned parsimonious figures of (3-10).

In reply the Beach got off to an excellent start with Connors playing an attacking, but somewhat skittish, innings and scored 36 out of an opening partnership of 38, before he was caught behind. His departure led to several wickets falling quickly. However Mickey Evans played an excellent innings scoring freely all round the wicket and hitting an excellent undefeated 68 to take the Beach to victory with plenty of overs left in the game.

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Harlow Town II v High Beach, Sat 31 Jul 2010 (HECL Div 3)

High Beach 138-all out, Harlow Town II 139-9

Seventeen year old Reece Hanna almost snatched victory from certain defeat single-handedly in a cliffhanging top of the table clash.

Losing the toss High Beach were asked to bat first on a pitch which had a passing resemblance to the Sahara desert. The Beach suffered the early loss of Barckley Sumner (0) caught behind in the first over. However, the setback felt only temporary as Dan Hanna scored a quick fire 28 before trying one shot too many against Farmer and being bowled. A strong partnership then developed between Mickey Bear (32) and Mickey Evans (43), although the later was hampered by a tight groin, which took the score to 118.  The departure of Evans led to a collapse with the principle tormenter being the left arm spinner Pistorius with (5-34). None of the Beach’s middle and late order were even able to get to double figures and the innings finally subsided to 138 all out.

However, the Beach made early inroads into the Harlow Town innings with Reece Hanna proving too quick for the Harlow Town batsmen and bowling both Simpson and Hayper for ducks. Unfortunately, the Beach’s attack was blunted with at least four dropped catches, including two by wicketkeeper Chris Connors, giving crucial lives to Ali (31) and the impressive Sorabhyia (57) with John Gregory being the bowler who suffered the most. Ali eventually falling, again bowled by Hanna. With the game looking over, Mickey Evans was able to induce a loose shot from Sorabhyia then the reintroduction of Hanna saw him pick up four more wickets, bowling three batsmen and having the fourth caught and bowled. However, an unlikely victory was not to be as the cunning Pisturius (15 not out) was able to drag his team over the finishing line for a one wicket victory. Reece Hanna’s final figures of (7-44) were the best figures for a High Beach bowler in years.

The victory should ensure that Harlow Town are promoted with the Beach left wondering what might have been.

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High Beach v Woodford Wells IV, Sat 7 Aug 2010 (HECL Div 3)

High Beach 178-6, Woodford Wells IV 180-3

An under-strength High Beach suffered a demoralising and dispiriting defeat at home to a highly competitive Woodford Wells.

The Beach lost a crucial toss on a pitch made juicy and two paced by the overnight rain. With the ball moving about the Beach openers struggled to settle. Chris Connors (8) was first to depart when he tried to hook a ball from left armer Amir which got big on him and he top edged to square leg. He was replaced by skipper Mickey Bear who began to play some selective shots to get the score ticking. With the score on 40, Paul Smith (8) dragged a delivery from the impressive Gibbs onto his stumps. Danny Hanna played a breezy innings scoring 19 before trying an overly ambitious drive and spooning the ball to cover. Martin Gilbert soon followed, LBW to Maseed for 6. The Beach were in trouble with the score on 94, with half their overs still remaining and half the team out, when Bear was caught in the deep for 39. Paul Glasgow and Barckley Sumner then attempted to rebuild the innings and put on a partnership of 68 but could not score as quickly as they would have liked. With just over two overs to go Sumner was bowled by Gibbs for 17. Reece Hanna hit a quick 11 not out, but the star of the innings was Paul Glasgow who batted well for his 55 not out. However, the total of 178 was at least 40 runs short on what is a fast scoring ground and the Beach would have to bowl well to win the game. Opening the bowling for the Beach, Mickey Bear was able to garner swing and seam and caused Woodford Wells problems, at the other end Reece Hanna was not quite able to produce the wickets of recent weeks. Bear dismissed both openers Maseed (9) and Gibbs (29) with both batsmen caught at mid on. Crucially, Bear also had Willoughby dropped early at second slip. The drop proved costly as Willoughby went on to score 70 not out. The Woodford Wells batsmen were able to score quickly off the Beach’s support bowlers and while they ran out clear winners, a bad taste was left by the failure for the fielding team to be awarded a clear run out.

The Beach will now have to regroup to make sure they finish the season strongly.

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