Match: 20th July

Match report Dedham v Elmstead Grasshoppers 20th July 2008 at Elmstead Dedham (89) lost to Elmstead (141-2) by 52 runs The final game of the season was always destined to be the decider, and Dedham turned up at Elmstead with high hopes, having beaten the opposition on a wet evening on the drift. However the result reflected Elmstead dominance in a game where Dedham was weaker in all 3 disciplines of cricket. The sun shone down brightly on the Elmstead opening pair who proceeded to put the game out of Dedham’s reach with an excellent opening partnership of over 100. Both batsmen were ruthless in dispatching the bad ball on a very good pitch, and with Michael Wright losing his usually reliable radar the score was helped with plenty of extras. Michael has not bowled as well as he can this season, as he has a fantastic bowling action which encourages swing with the new ball. He is another, along with Jamie, Archie, Ieuan, and Angus Lockhart who has played senior cricket this year and his spell at Elmstead in the final league game was exemplary. With Archie and Angus also struggling to contain Elmstead, the captain turned to spin and Ieuan, Anjay and Jamie eventually put the skids on the scoring rate which had risen inexorably. It was Anjay who broke through with a fine leg break that bowled Lobb for a well made 50, and he was quickly followed to the pavilion by his opening partner Elliot bowled for 41 by Jamie. However some lusty hitting off the final few overs set Dedham the huge target of 142 to win from 20 overs. Whilst the fielding in this game was below par, I have been very proud of how the team has performed all season, and it was a pity that the last game of the season was not one of their best performances in front of lots of eager parents and relations. Jamie and Oliver strode out to the middle to begin the reply for Dedham and both started positively with some crisp hitting through square leg, however it was not long before Jamie was dismissed for 7 and Oliver (9) was joined by Ieuan (10). Again the batsmen looked ready to set out in pursuit of the total until both were back in the pavilion, followed quickly by Ed Greenwood and Harry, who was yorked for his third first ball of the season. Harry has struggled for runs this year and this has knocked his confidence especially as he has been able to score lots of runs at school. Harry tends to play off the back foot, when he should look to get forward to play off the front foot. He is keen to work on this in the winter and I am sure he will come back a better batsman for the new season in 2009. Archie (16) and Angus (18) tried to rebuild the innings, but despite some great shots neither was able to really get going against some tight bowling, and when they were dismissed, followed quickly by Sean and Michael, the writing was well and truly on the wall. Anjay (6) and Angus delayed the inevitable until the final over when Angus Campbell was run out comfortably. Defeat by 52 runs was nothing to be ashamed of, as we were completely outplayed by a strong Elmstead team. So the season drew to an end with a whimper, and with Dedham second in the league, having lost twice (to Elmstead and Witham) and having won 6 games (Bromley twice, West Mersea twice, Elmstead and Witham once). Two batsmen, Angus and Cam scored over 100 runs, and Archie and Anjay took 10 and 9 wickets respectively. In the award ceremony, Ieuan was voted Player of the Year, for his all round contribution. He has been brilliant in the field this year, and has scored some valuable runs including 41* against West Mersea. His bowling has also been useful with some important wickets, most notably against Elmstead at Dedham when he took 2 for 7. The other award, for Most Improved Player, was won by Ed Greenwood for his excellent wicket keeping this year, showing the benefit of hard work in the off season at Chelmsford. I have high hopes for Ed’s batting next year as well and we will need a lot of runs from him to compete in the league. All of the players deserve a mention for their wonderful play this year, and all have contributed in some way or another to a great season. My thanks go out to each and every one of them, but especially Angus Lockhart for his mature captaincy and cool head over the season. Finally the support of the parents has been wonderful, none more so than Dimple who has held things together whilst organising her wedding to Jason. The club would be lost without her help. My thanks also to all the parents who have umpired, scored, made teas, and supported throughout the season despite the awful weather! It has been hard work for the coaches too, so thanks to Neil Weston, Russell, and Steve Balaam for their help, and Roger Moss for all he has done to enable us to play in monsoon like conditions. Whilst it has been a long season, I am sure my excitement will be renewed as we approach April 2009. Just don’t tell my wife. Felix Fitch

 

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