Maldon were back at the farm after last week’s disappointing defeat looking to bounce back with a strong performance and after winning the toss and electing to bat this is exactly what they did.
Leading from the front was opener Jimmy Ainscough who dominated the Hadleigh attack. Whilst constructing a magnificent run a ball 121 he was supported ably in significant partnerships first by Ian Elliott as they put on 69 and then by youngster Mackenzie Jones who whilst racking up another half century put on his 5th century partnership of the season and second 126 partnership with Ainscough. When they both fell it was left to Matt Coppen and Ross Walpole to finish off the innings with added impetus and a final total of 272. Maldon’s highest of the season.
In reply Hadleigh had little option but to attack and despite early breakthroughs from another reliable and penetrating opening spell from Matt Wild they continued to keep up with the run rate with aggressive cameos whilst opener Marlon Dias looked to bat through.
When the four spinner attack of Pugh, Brown, Coker and Elliott all took wickets to reduce Hadleigh to 189 for 8 the game looked won but as at Haverhill with one set batsman and a number 10 producing a season best innings Maldon continued to be frustrated.
No matter what they tried they could not breakthrough and when for the fourth time in the innings a 6 six crept one yard over the boundary and inches away from being caught the writing looked on the wall. In a tense last over Elliott finally removed Dias meaning the scores were tied on the last ball. Unfortunately unlike at Haverhill the number 11 batsman got enough bat on the last ball to evade the fielders and scramble through for the winning run.
A frustrating defeat for Maldon who were left scratching their heads wondering how on earth they had been beaten in a game which for 90% of the day they had controlled.
Maldon Cricket Club 
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