Thrift, Burns and Keaney are key in victories

10:08am Thursday 15th May 2008

CHELMSFORD Cricket Club had a mixed weekend, Saturday being largely positive and Sunday fairly gloomy.

Superb innings by David Thrift, Michael Burns and Paul Keaney were the key features on Saturday as the three champion teams from last year opened up with wins.

The first XI suffered in the field at the hands of Woodford Wells but managed a draw. The second and third teams both got the better of their counterparts from the same club.

The seconds restricted the home side to 194 and won by six wickets, David Thrift making a brilliant 117. Simon Evans took three wickets and made an unbeaten 40.

The thirds brushed aside their opposition, bowling them out for 111. Dan Evans-Green (2-13), Ken Jones (3-20), Tom Moss (2-18) and Steve Bond (2-42) were the wicket-takers. Chelmsford lost two wickets in their successful chase, Barry Clayden making 46 not out.

A run-out in the last over handed the fourths an exciting win over Leigh thirds. The Chelmsford innings was dominated by Paul Keaney and Michael Burns but both fell just short of a century, Keaney for 96, Burns run out at the non-striker's end for 99.

In spite of the efforts of Archer (7-59), Chelmsford amassed 248 for nine. Leigh were never in the hunt, with Rupert Redman (4-39), Tom Evans-Green and Tom Halsey (3-35) amongst the wickets. But Leigh looked likely to escape with a draw.

A fine opening partnership between James Clifford (46) and Sam Cornforth (34) looked to have set up the fifths for a win. However, Sexton (7-29) conjured up a collapse and a draw was the result. Leigh had scored 156 and Chelmsford settled for a draw at 125 for seven.

In spite of an excellent 75 from Gary Chidley and a decent bowling display, the Sunday first team found themselves overmatched. A strong Ardleigh Green line up scored 217 for six, Chelmsford's reply was 165 all out.

The Under-16 Matchplay team were thoroughly beaten by Wanstead & Snaresbrook. The visitors ran up 237 for two, Burgess making 109 and Hutchings 69. Stephen Drain (48) played well but Chelmsford only managed 134.

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