1st XI Vs Chelmsford CC

Chelmsford 114-3

Brentwood 75-7

Match Drawn

Brentwood’s start to the all-day cricket ended being severely rain affected, and what could have been an intriguing encounter was curtailed by the usual British summer

In truth, Brentwood had the better of the conditions, and realistically only they had a chance to win the game, but had to settle for a draw.

Brentwood managed to get 42 overs in before lunch, with the match evenly poised at 114-3. However there were signs that any run chase would be hard work as Brentwood’s spinners managed to extract a decent level of turn from the Chelmer Park pitch.

The rain that came down for three hours was only working in Brentwood’s favour, as they simply had to chase Chelmsford’s total. By the time both sides had mopped up conditions, there were only 20 overs left to play, so Brentwood just had a chase under a run a ball.

However, Essex spinner Tom Craddock was able to extract some severe turn from the wicket and his first two overs were maidens, setting Brentwood’s chase back. Brentwood knew if they were to have a chance, they would need to go hard at the other end, and this lead to a steady stream of wickets with Nissarg Patel the main beneficiary as he picked up 5-27 from his six overs.

In the end, having lost seven wickets, Brentwood had to shut up shop and settle for the draw, which they did without any further cause for concern.

Next week Brentwood have a home game against Buckhurst Hill, starting at 11.30.