Figg Leads Sunday XI To Victory

Report courtesy of Alex Strong.

After a disappointing day of cancellations on Saturday, the Maldon Sunday XI were determined to play their match away against Canewdon on Sunday. Led by Jas Bains, Maldon were put into bat having lost the toss against the hosts. The pitch was green, and with overcast conditions, it looked like batting was going to be a struggle.

Cameron Blackboro and Stuart Coker opened the batting for Maldon, and got the visitors off to a solid start, putting a high price on their wicket. After an opening stand of over 20, Stuart was the first to go, caught behind for 3. Maldon were soon 3 down, as a result of unfortunate dismissals for both Cameron and Simon Reeve.

This brought Laurence Cook and Joe Figg to the crease, who both fought through a difficult stage to get Maldon back on track. Once they had played themselves in, the pair shared a series of boundaries, before Laurence was out caught for a well made 21. This meant that Joe was joined by Luke Reeve in the middle, and the pair went on to share Maldon’s most profitable partnership of the innings.

The two of them seemed comfortable against the slower bowling of Canewdon, and Figg soon passed fifty. Both batsmen seemed increasingly at ease, resulting in many impressive boundaries, including big sixes for both Reeve and Figg. The partnership was eventually broken as Luke was bowled for an impressive 37. With wickets falling around him, Joe continued to hit the ball to all sides of the ground with some incredible shot making. He reached his century of 98 balls with a flick into the legside. He was out shortly after and was welcomed back to the pavilion by a well-deserved applause after a spectacular innings of 101 runs, which included 12 fours and 2 sixes.

Maldon finished up with 225-8 from their 40 overs, an admirable effort considering the conditions. Canewdon would need some masterful batting to get close to the 226 required for victory.

The visitors got of to just about the best possible start with David Blackboro taking 3 skilful wickets with the new ball, whilst being well supported by Bethan Bailey at the other end. The duo, showing how to bowl well at the start of an innings.

Jas Bains and Luke Reeve were the first change bowlers, and brought an instant impact, after Canewdon had gained some brief momentum. Jas took the key scalp of Chris Ashdown, for 61, with help from a first class stumping from Laurence Cook. At the other end Luke was bowling with breath-taking speed and accuracy, sending the bails flying on 2 occasions. Canewdon suddenly found themselves 7 down cheaply.

The innings was wrapped up by 3 wickets to Alex Strong from one end, whilst Martin James frustrated the batsmen by bowling a number of dot balls from the other end.

Having bowled Canewdon out for 134 inside 28 overs, Maldon had won by 91 runs. An excellent victory for Jas’s men, showing great application despite inconsistent weather. It was a complete team performance, however Joe Figg’s incredible 101 from 99 balls was the stand out performance. The Sunday team play a formidable Springfield side next week.