4th XI Win Again

Report courtesy of Alex Strong.

On a bright sunny day at the Prom, Joe Figg aimed to lead his 4^th XI side to a third straight win in the 2021 season. Unfortunately, Maldon lost the toss and the visitors chose to bat, on what looked like a good wicket.

 Kian Woolston and Callum Figg opened the bowling for Maldon and bowled with incredible accuracy, limiting the visitors to very few scoring shots. It was only a matter of time before Callum took the first wicket of the match, dismissing Mark Whitmore for 3, caught by Kian. While Kian applied the pressure from one end, Callum continued to rip through Melton’s top order. Callum finished with impressive figures of 4-19 from his 7 overs.

David Blackboro and Josh Lawes then replaced the opening pair. Picking up where they had left off, with consistent lines and lengths, ensuring the visitors could not get back into the game easily. David finished his spell off with two wickets, dismantling the bails on both occasions.

At the other end, James Ellis came on to bowl and took a wicket in his very first over. Through consistent bowling, backed up by solid fielding, Maldon had now manoeuvred themselves into a position of strength, with Melton falling to 82-8. After a brief period of resistance from the Melton tail, Al Johnson polished them off, taking the final two wickets in consecutive balls. Melton had been bowled out for 92, setting he hosts 93 to win to make it three wins in three.

Steve Brown and Josh Servis opened the batting for Maldon and were met with some fiercely testing bowling. Josh got the hosts up and running with a pair of striking boundaries early on. Unfortunately, Servis was sent back shortly after as a result of some skilful bowling. The same bowler picked up the wicket of Richard Buckby before he was able to make an impact. The visitors were applying a great deal of compulsion and looked determined to make it an uncomfortable run chase for Maldon.

Steve was met at the crease by Alex Strong and the two had to bat in a responsible manner in order to stem the flow of wickets. Having batted with authority for a number of overs, Brown was dismissed for LBW.

Alex and captain Joe Figg convened in the middle, needing to steady the ship. They both played with control showing good temperament to take little risk whilst progressing the scoreboard. The two made it to the drinks break unscathed. Eventually the Melton bowlers were worn down and the runs flowed more easily more for Strong and Figg. With victory in site, Figg began to motor, displaying an array of quality shots. The win was sealed with a four off the bat of Alex. Maldon had won by 7 wickets with ten overs to spare.

From bowling to fielding to batting, it was the epitome of a whole team performance from the home side. Currently unbeaten, the 4’s face Felixstowe and Corinthians next week, looking to extend their run.

Thank you also to the Melton and St Audry’s players for a well spirited game.