Drapers Farm played host to Copdock & Old Ipswichian in what proved to be a historic day of record breaking cricket. Maldon came into the game in fine form and full of confidence after their ninth consecutive victory last week at Elmstead.
After winning the toss in overcast conditions Copdock opted to bowl first, which gave Captain Ross Walpole and inform Chris Harris the opportunity to get Maldon off to a positive start. That is exactly what they did as from the off Harris dominated the Copdock attack whilst Walpole ably supported him from the other end.
On any other day Walpole’s innings of 78 at a strike rate of 88 would have been the talk of Drapers but on this day it was to be a footnote to the greatest run scoring innings in Maldon’s history.
After two centuries earlier in the season Harris has already shown his superiority this season but he took it to a new extraordinary level on this day hitting it so cleanly it wouldn’t have mattered if he had a Curly Wurly in his hand.
After being part of a club record partnership of 269 when Walpole fell he then proceeded to past the double century mark before then passing 238 the previous club record individual score of over 25 years standing and eventually finishing on a remarkable 263 not out. What made this accomplishment even more remarkable apart from his 169 strike rate, 25 fours and 16 sixes was he was dropped only once in the entire innings and this came after he had passed 250 and just before he cleared the Drapers conifers in the last over.
It really was an innings that those who were privileged to witness it will remember for many a year to come.
In reply Copdock chasing an unlikely 390 started well but after Connah Thompson made the initial breakthrough it was always going to be an unenviable task and the Maldon bowlers made sure they completed the task of gaining full points. Jim Gregory following up from his 4 wicket haul two weeks ago gaining 3 more wickets with consistent and accurate wicket to wicket bowling.
Harry Grant and Martyn Coker also claimed a scalp each with the experienced Toby Pugh claiming 3 more wickets to add to his season’s total. With Copdock eventually finishing on 156 all out Maldon won by an impressive 254 runs.
After a historic day Maldon look to claim an 11th consecutive victory next week away at Copford for the halfway fixture of the season.
Maldon Cricket Club 