On a miserable and wet afternoon, surprisingly Norman Case and his fifth team were given the green light to play their friendly fixture against Rainham, taking place in Billericay. The fixture was however reduced to a 20 overs per side.
After losing the toss, Case’s side were put in to bat against a strong home bowling attack. After Case and Savill departed early with the bat, youngsters Mason Foakes (22) and Xavier Scieller-Giles (28) batted superbly to steady the ship for the Dons. After those two departed, Maldon continued to lose wickets in quick succession until veterans, Michael Newman (11*) and David Richardson (9*) arrived at the crease, dragging their sides score to 91 for 8 from their 20 overs.
With the thought of defending a low score in his mind, Case opened the bowling with Scieller-Giles and Richardson, who both bowled very well in their opening spells. Xavier finished with figures of 2 for 36, whilst Richardson collected two wickets for eighteen runs from his four overs. The opening bowlers were supported by Charlie Reeve (2-15) who bowled with pace and aggression, whilst Newman (1-11) bowled accurately at the other end.
Sadly however despite a magnificent bowling performance Maldon were beaten by a score of 35 off 25 balls from Krish Rahula, as Rainham ran out winners in the end by just two wickets requiring 16.2 overs to chase down their target of 92.
Next week, the 5th XI travel to Halstead CC to take on their 3rd XI.
Maldon Cricket Club 
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