After the excitement of a close win last weekend the much changed Third XI suffered a last over defeat to Elmstead this weekend. Winning the toss, Maldon elected to bat. Mark and Thorn and Steve Brown opened the bating with Thorn scoring 20 before being bowled and Brown being well caught in the slips. Joe Figg and Charlie Vickery added 35 before Figg was bowled and Vickery given out LBW.
Josh Servis and Norman Case added a vital 60 runs before Case was bowled scoring 40 runs. Servis continued and with Paul Gregory added another 40 runs before being bowled for 35. Charlie Figg continued here he left off last week scoring 14 quick runs and finished not out with Gregory (28). The final score 186/6 from the 45 overs.
Josh Lawes and Charlie Figg opened the bowling and started well bowling well and taking the wickets of the 2 opening batters and keeping a tight line and length. Mike Newman bowled well again taking two wickets for just 12 runs in his spell of 12 overs!
The Elmstead batters took the opportunity to score against the second and third change bowlers and continued to score. Lawes and Figg returned to finish their spells and Lawes took two further wickets with Gregory taking a fine catch and a LBW. Frustratingly, a run out opportunity was not given which would have given the game to Maldon.
However, Elmstead saved their strongest batter till the end and they came in needing 38 from the final 5 overs. The Elmstead big hitters paced their innings well and with some fine hitting in the final overs saw their side home with two balls remaining of the innings.
Another close game with learning points all around but also lots of positives. Maldon take away 8 points from a strong Elmstead side that won Div 9 last year at a canter. Considering the unavailability from the 1s and 2s this week, this was a great effort. Well done everyone.
The third XI head to Haverhill next weekend with hopefully a full strength side again.
Maldon Cricket Club 
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