Jellis Stars As Two’s Win

The second team season started their league campaign at Drapers’ with the visit of Earl Stonham. A couple of late team selection changes resulted in a last minute call up for Captain Saxton, who although unable to affect the match with the ball was able to exert his influence on the field.

New recruits Jack Bowen (pictured above) and Harry Grant were straight into the action taking the new ball after Saxton had won the toss. A wicket each for Bowen and Grant (1-22) left Earl Stonham 32-2. This was then followed by a miserly four over spell by promising debutant Oliver Hull (0-17), who was unlucky not to claim his first second team wicket. Jamie Brown claimed the next wicket (1-28) extracting the lack of bounce from the lake end. A stunning boundary catch from Harry Grant almost lead to Brown claiming a second wicket, unfortunately an early celebration was followed by grant touching the boundary rope.

From 103-3 the visitors collapsed as James Ellis (4-19) continued to utilise the lack of bounce from one end alongside Reece Bawden (1-19) who bowled with an extra yard of pace than seen previously. Jack Bowen returned with two further wickets (3-31) to bowl out the visitors for 137.

In response openers, James Ellis and Ross Walpole (pictured) made a steady start, Walpole in particular utilising his favourite cut shot to good effect, as run scoring became easier and batting became a test of concentration rather than skill Walpole won the race to 50, and although taking a total dislike to the bowling ended up 65 not out.

After passing 50 himself Ellis accelerated pass Walpole only to be caught on the boundary for 66, ending an impressive opening stand of 130. Matt Shinn strode out at number three and quickly scored the winning boundary leaving Maldon victorious by 9 wickets. Special mentions on the fielding front must go to the electric, Lee Monk who was full of intensity and Pete Rose for being the winner of fielding ‘bingo’.

Next week twos go on the road next Saturday, with an away trip to East Bergholt.

Report courtesy of James Ellis.