After last week’s postponement Maldon entertained Coggeshall on a wet day which meant the game was shortened to 35 overs a side. After Maldon won the toss they elected to field. This turned out to be the correct decision as a sharp catches from Martyn Coker and Matt Anderson off Anderson and Wild respectively was followed by an excellent run out again from Coker which left Coggeshall 26 for 3.
After a period of consolidation and excellent opening spells from Wild and Anderson, Mackenzie Jones and captain Toby Pugh then made further breakthroughs which placed Coggeshall at 58 for 7. Jones with his pace and movement proved hard for the Coggeshall batsman to handle and another run out this time from Anderson put Maldon in control.
With Ian Elliott to come Coggeshall were unable to release the shackles and despite some boundaries from the lower order batsman Maldon eventually bowled Coggeshall out for a below par 112 with Anderson the pick of five outstanding bowling displays backed by an all round fielding display with 3 for 37.
In reply Coggeshall continued the domination of the bowlers and restricted Maldon to 17 for 4 taking the upper hand. Anderson came to the crease to join a determined Jimmy Ainscough and they battled to regain some initiative. When Ainscough lost his wicket at 52 for 5 the game was back in the balance. Again Coggeshall responded with quick wickets and when Maldon were left at 63 for 7 the outcome seemed bleak, still needing another 50 runs with only 3 wickets left. Reece Bawden joined the key wicket of Anderson at the crease and their partnership of 20 gave Maldon hope.
When Bawden departed, Coker came to the crease and supported Anderson in similar fashion, from there a tense finale ensued but with the passionate backing of the Maldon supporting crowd, Coker and Anderson were able to eventually get Maldon over the line. Anderson ending the game with a match winning four that left him 52 not out after a truly magnificent match winning innings.
After a great opening victory of the season for Maldon next week they travel to reigning champions Witham for a local derby.
Maldon Cricket Club 
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