First Team Match Report

Maldon went into Monday’s game looking to build on two impressive recent victories and to continue their long standing winning streak against Witham.

Captain Chris Harris lost the toss on an overcast day and Maldon were inserted in what seemed to be challenging conditions. The opening partnership of Harris and Bryant defied the conditions and the overgrown outfield, to post a useful platform of 45 before Bryant succumbed for 14. That led Alec Baldwin to the crease who continued his good form with the bat and with good support from Harris (41) and then later Matt Wild (45 n.o.) went on to score an impressive 73 with a vast array of shots, the highlight being a perfectly executed ramp shot for 4. Further quickfire contributions from Coppen (11) and Coker (23) meant an impressive and above par score of 236 for 7 was reached.

A confident Maldon took the field without effective opening bowler Matt Wild who damaged a hamstring whilst batting. This confidence was enhanced when Bannister took care of the dangerous Wakelin early in the innings. Witham regrouped and the loss of Wild from the bowling attack looked like it might be a deciding factor but Pugh 1 for 30 and Elliott 1 for 21 in tandem rolled back the years to stem the flow of runs and despite Maldon old boy Matt Anderson (41) leading the counter attack Baldwin’s fast short spells and Ben Foster’s sharp piece of wicketkeeping enabled Harris and Bryant to wrap up the innings with 5 wickets between them and an eleven run victory.

Overall another impressive team performance by Maldon who now occupy second place in div 1 with a trip to fellow high fliers Worlington on Saturday.