Saturday 3rd XI Match Reports & Scorecards

Havering travelled to already established division 11 champions Great Baddow III with a strong side knowing that a good win plus other results going their way could still see them go up. Tim Hills lost the toss and was asked to field in glorious sunshine on a day which had all sorts of incident both on and off the field. Opening the bowling with Andy Dent and a much belated welcome back for Craig Wilkins bowling properly again for the first time in 18 months, the innings started with good tight bowling and sharp fielding notably from James Lavender among others. Wickets were slow in coming but the run rate was also hindered and when Mitchell Walker took a superb one handed catch off Wilkins with the score on 43, Havering felt the day could still be theirs. Wilkins and Dent failed to make further breakthroughs and Hills turned to Walker to try and change the pace of the innings with his spin. Initially both batsmen played well scoring fairly easily but when Paul Leggatt at the other end began to tighten the screw Walker got into his stride. He was aided by two towering catches from Matt Lanaghan in the deep, as well as sharp hands from Hills, Andy Dent & Emma Honey and Walker got his rewards with 5-46 off his 11. Leggatt was totally luckless and his last over was punished as the heat took its toll but Wilkins returned to take two more and close on 3-35 and with a run out and the last man in Havering were desperately close to bowling the new champions out but Baddow survived the last 5 balls to close the innings 183-9 off 45 overs.
In response Andrew Dent and Simon Trowse had a typically steady start and despite good opening bowling spells both batsmen were rarely challenged. Dent was then bowled for 22 with the score on 33 and suddenly an unforeseen delay in play occurred courtesy of a suspect male seen leaving both changing rooms in a hurry and players realised some property was stolen from both changing rooms. After a lengthy delay and police attendance play resumed and both teams agreed to continue regardless despite such a sad distraction to the day. Havering continued and lost Tom Mitchell for just 10 and then Trowse followed for 15 and at 56-3 with half the overs gone Havering suddenly needed some positivity. Ollie Williams and James Lavender came to the crease and despite a slow start to the partnership they got themselves in and began batting superbly. The hosts bowlers were soon found wanting after the tricky opener Parnell was seen off and the pacy skipper Paul Lovegrove (2-23) took a break in his spell. With a high run rate required it looked like the two young batsmen had it all to do but with a very intelligent approach they attacked the bad ball and took advantage of some slack fielding to gradually ease the pressure on the innings. With ten overs to go and still no breakthrough Williams passed Lavender and reached his 50 for the second time this season and when Lavender soon followed him over the landmark Williams began stroking through gaps and finding the boundaries with ease. Havering reached their target with 5 overs to spare at 184-3 off 40 overs thanks to a supreme unbeaten 128 fourth wicket partnership, Lavender 51 not out and Williams 62 not out
Havering won by 7 Wickets
Havering 22 points Gt Baddow 3 points
To close the season heavily beating run-away table toppers, Havering can now reflect and wonder what might have been as their season gathered to express pace in the final month or so, fourth place is the likely outcome of this result but for next season Havering must surely be considered firm favourites if they remain in division 11 over the winter.

Havering III hosted Eastwood VI this week and also welcomed back regular skipper Tim Hills and Tom Mitchell, both missing from recent fixtures. The pitch was damp and the days weather forecast mixed when Hills won the toss and chose to bat, having much faith in his rejuvenated batting order. A heavy downpour at the start meant 6 overs were lost to both sides. Simon Trowse and Andy Dent, now a firm fixture at the top of the card, were in positive mood early on but Dent was first to go for just 4 when he missed a straight one and the score on 17. Tom Mitchell, who retained his slot at 3 immediately steadied the ship playing some textbook defence and classy strokes to move the game along. Trowse then fell for 15 and Williams for just 1 and the score was 52-3 in the 13th over. Hills was watchful at first with conditions not ideal for batting but when he came to life the boundaries started flowing. He and Mitchell then piled on the runs, Hills with power hitting and bulleying the young bowlers, Mitchell the more elegant and technical and before long the score had raced into three figures. Hills reached 50 for just the second time this summer and was soon followed by Mitchell. Hills then tried another big hit and was clean bowled for a heavy handed 61, but the stuffing was clearly knocked out of the Eastwood bowlers and Mitchell carried on with good contribution from Emma Honey (21) and Paul Leggatt (18no). Mitchell was on 91 when he was bowled but it was the only notable error in his fine innings. Havering closed on 256-8 in their 39 overs, their highest score of the season by far and set themselves up for maximum points.
In the reply the skies were darkening and despite Andy Dent removing the opener early in the piece both seamers were taken out of the attack after 3 overs each so Havering could have their spinners on at both ends in an attempt at getting through the overs before the rain threatened again. Matt Lanagan was first to strike with Mitchell Walker attacking from the other end. It took a few overs for both to settle but when Lanagan had his first and a desperate run out at the other end by Mitchell it seemed the Eastwood resistance was not going to last long. Walker was frustrated by several missed chances off his bowling while Lanagan enjoyed more success his end, but both soon got into the middle and then tail and it looked a race for the 5 wicket haul. Lanagan came closest with 4-37 off his 12 and Walker was unlucky not to have at least two more with his 3-40 off 12 overs. Once both had bowled out and a light shower passed without interrupting play, Paul Leggatt was called in with one wicket to take. Four balls later a fine low catch from Jake Goodwin and it was home and hosed for the hosts.
Havering won by 167 runs.
Havering 26 points, Eastwood 4 points

Stand in skipper Mick Houghton lost the toss and 10 men Havering were put into bat. Andy Dent and Simon Trowse opened the batting and got it of to a good start putting on 69 for the first wicket, Dent bowled for 35. Emma Honey joined young Trowse but was soon out. Trowse was joined by one of Haverings longest playing members Eddie Wallace who with Trowse put on 56 for the 3rd wicket. With the rain reducing the game to 40 overs,Trowse was run out for 36. Wallace went on to score a quick 55 and young Ollie Williams chipped in with 12 not out and Havering finishing on 177 for 5.
In reply Havering bowled 11 men Hullbridge out for 107 with the pick of the bowlers being Paul Leggat 9-3-15-1, Andy Dent 9-2-25-3, Jake Goodwin 10-2-25-3 and spinner Mick Houghton 9-1-32-3, with 2 good catches behind the stumps by young Ollie Williams.
Havering won by 70 runs
Havering 22 points Hullbridge 2 points

Havering lost the toss and were asked to bat by Rainham. Havering opened with Andrew Dent and Simon Trowse and the first wicket fell with the score on 31 as Dent (18) was caught and then the second wicket fell 5 runs later when Emma Honey was bowled through the gate for 0. Ollie Williams & Simon Trowse shared a very patient and well calculated 53 run stand until Ollie was bowled for a well worked 30. Simon Trowse followed 6 runs later as he was trapped in front with the score on 95 for 4. Andy Hurley came in at five and Nick Hine at six to share a 55 run partnership with Andy Hurley playing some lovely shots to push Havering onto 150, which seemed a long distance away 10 overs before. Andy was then run out on the last ball of the innings as he was trying to scrap an extra run for the team. The innings ended on 150 for 5 after 45 overs.
At tea we felt that we had something to bowl at and still had a chance of winning this big game and our hopes were strengthened even more when Andrew Dent and Paul Leggatt who both opened the bowling, both took an early wicket a-piece leaving the score on 29 2. Their run rate was good but we knew if we kept on taking wickets we stood a great chance. A third wicket quickly followed as Ollie took another excellent catch behind off of Andrew Dents bowling leaving Rainham on 36 for 3. Paul Leggatt battled hard and took another Havering wicket as Rainham were on 66 for 4. Two batsman then came to the crease and batted superbly, taking the game away from us. They shared a stand of 82 runs before Matt Lanagan took a deserved wicket as Ollie took a good stumping behind. The score was 148-5 at this point and with Rainham needing another 3 runs for victory another wicket fell, with their batsman falling 3 runs short of fifty he was run out well by skipper Mitchell Walker. A spirited effort by Havering as they tried their hardest for victory. Andrew Dent 9 Overs 2 Maidens 2 Wickets, Paul Leggatt 6 Overs 2 Wickets for 37 Run. Matt Lanagan was the other wicket taker bowling 10 Overs 1 Wicket for 32 Runs and Mitchell Walker 9.5 Overs 1 Maiden None for 44 Runs.

Havering 3rd XI travelled to play Rayleigh V this week and look to keep building the momentum recent success has given their climb up the table. Tim Hills lost the toss on an enormous outfield, a damp and green wicket and low cloud cover, and Rayleigh elected to bat first. Hills opened the bowling with Steve Summerville and Andrew Dent. Both hit tight lines and bowled good areas and scoring runs was a rare sight in the first ten overs. After 12 overs Dent in particular was getting exaggerated movement but only Summerville had any success, a second strong LBW appeal being well rewarded. Paul Leggatt came on up the slope with the intention of swapping the openers, but Leggatt bowled such a tight single over he was kept on and he and Dent then bowled in tandem. Both then toiled building relentless pressure and on 22 overs at drinks the hosts were only 27-1. After drinks Dent bowled out his 12 overs with incredible figures of five maidens, 16 runs and no reward. Leggatt was similar off his straight 12 with 3 maidens and 0-31. Young Matt Lanagan then had an opportunity of a decent bowl with vice captain Mitchell Walker away this week and he took it well. His first two balls were too short and suitably punished but then he struck, with a sharp catch off his own bowling to see off the dogged innings of opener Keeley for 32. And that was the start of a Rayleigh collapse. Lanagan then got his second in his second clean bowled and then had one caught behind in the same over. Summerville came back on down the hill also started to get into the action clean bowling his next three victims to finish his 12 overs with 4-23. But Lanagan got the honours with the ball with another smart caught and bowled and stumping, fine work by Ollie Williams again to finish his days work with 9 overs 5-21. Havering were desperate to take all the Rayleigh wickets to max out the points but only one chance was dropped in an otherwise near perfect day in the field against a team close to them in the table. Rayleigh closed 88-9 in 45 overs.
Andrew Dent and Simon Trowse opened the batting for the run chase and looked to continue building on their solid opening partnership after last weeks 74 before the first man fell. With Hills impressing on his openers the importance of not losing wickets to present bonus points to Rayleigh, and a very low target, it was never going to be a fast scoring firework display. Despite this Dent appears a man transformed with another free flowing innings, still watchful and secure, but pouncing on the bad ball and finding the boundary on most times of trying. Trowse was a little slower but these two are starting to look the real deal in the thirds now and complement each other nicely. When Trowse started to look better set the pair went up a gear. Dent outscoring his partner at almost double the rate was on 48 when he overstretched for a drive and popped up a simple catch, but the partnership at that time was 78 in the 25th over and damage was well and truly done. Trowse went on to finish 26 not out and Tom Mitchell contributed a pleasing little cameo with an unbeaten 10. Havering reached 89-1 off 27.2 overs, not taking full points, but perhaps, as consolation, not giving any away to their hosts and beating them with a very strong show. With the table so tight that could be all the more important come the end of this fascinating campaign.
Havering won by 9 wickets.
Havering 20 points Rayleigh 0 points

Havering welcomed Little Baddow III back to Hall Lane after a tight meeting earlier in the season in which Baddow edged the win. Havering looked to be getting into their stride lately and despite losing the toss and being put into bat Tim Hills was relishing the chance to put a score on the board. Openers Andy Dent and Simon Trowse gave the perfect start, Dent looking in attacking mood and Trowse slower at first but began to extend his scoring rate. The pair had made 77 before Trowse got his feet tangled and was bowled for 29. Tom Mitchell joined Dent who was the next to fall for a fine 44 although his landmark was beckoning he was adjudged LBW with the score on 101 in barely 18 overs. Hills himself then came to the crease and started a little overly aggressive he soon also started to find the boundaries. Mitchell was a picture of young talent timing everything he hit with real class and style. Hills now in his stride started to hit his bigger shots and raced to 47 before being undone by the talented spin bowling of Paramesh cut his defence in half to bowl him through the gate. Mitchell continued to power on and despite being dropped in the deep to reach his fifty, it was almost the perfect knock and fine return to form for the much missed youngster. Havering began to stall, they had raced to 180 with 17 overs to go and something big should have followed, but suddenly wickets tumbled, Mitchell got an awful low bounce to lose his castle for 57, Leggatt (11) and Tickner had an awful run out and after that only Tom Hine made double figures with 10 and Havering closed the innings on 243-9.
In response Hills tried to rally his men warning them about the earlier game between the two sides in which Baddow had the potential to drift along comfortable and suddenly be in sight of their target. But Tom Hine started in good form with 3 wickets in his opening 7 overs. Andy Dent struggled for rhythm at the other end on a very hot day for fielders with a rapid but big outfield. Dent did get one in his spell but 1-41 was not his usual off his 8 overs. Paul Leggatt did bowl very tidily replacing Hine and soon supported by Vice Captain Mitchell Walker who started loose but soon got his rhythm. When on form, Walker is almost impossible to read with many variations to his armoury. And his full repertoire was on display to bag him 4-34 off his 11 over spell. Leggatt got little reward with 1-29 but the back of the innings was broken with only one player reaching 30. With Hine having no luck in his second spell and the heat telling, Hills brought on another fine young prospect in Matt Lanagan who off only his third ball teased the last man down the track to be smartly stumped by Hills standing in as a makeshift keeper for the day. Little Baddow were bowled out in the 39th over for 157.
Havering won by 86 runs
Havering 25 points Little Baddow 5 points.

Havering travelled to South Woodham Ferrers this week with a tricky fixture again the team a place above them, knowing that if they performed strongly they could leapfrog their hosts in the very tight table, where at the time any one of four teams could still get promoted. Tim Hills lost the toss and was put into bat on a very green wicket with incredibly small boundaries on both sides. Andrew Dent was paired with Simon Trowse to open this week following Trowses century in his last game for the 4th team. But it was Trowse who was first to fall, pushing too hard at the ball to return a catch to the bowler for a duck. The wicket set up a spectacular top order collapse which in no time had Havering reeling 27-4 off nine overs. The skipper Tim Hills came in and typically was early on the offensive supported by Ollie Williams (2) and Dan Keylock (3). Hills blasted two towering sixes straight and a series of confident strokes to the boundary and in no time Havering had rocked along to 58. Hills then pulled a low full toss into the deep and perfectly picked out the fielder for 39, when so much more was promised and Michael Richardson joined Keylock. But when the latter fell almost immediately and a horrific moment for Ryan Hurley run out trotting a single but not committing his bat and suffering a direct hit and again Havering were in massive trouble at 67-7. Cue Richardson. He proceeded to then launch 7 sixes, most exploiting the short square boundaries and 2 fours to race to his 50 and boost Havering to 127. In this he was ably supported by young debutant James McVelia who looked a little nervy, but who played powerfully through the line to notch up a series of boundaries while ensuring Richardson had the strike. When McVelia fell for 12 and Richardson for a rapid and defiant 56 the last pair of Tom Hine and Mitchell Walker had a late flourish to rattle the score along but with so many overs still to go they were up against it to bat out. In the 33rd over Walkers edge was found by a cracker of a ball and Hine was left 10 not out. Havering bowled all out for 143, thanks in no small part to Hills, McVelia and in the main to Michael Richardson.
Haverings season has typically had a familiar ring to it, strong in one discipline and weak in the other. Havering had a strong batting line up and on a football pitch sized cricket ground and limped to 143 all out. But it was still competitive given the conditions and so Tom Hine opened the bowling with Michael Richardson. Hills went on the attack knowing his quicker bowlers at their freshest would be key to unlocking the opposition openers and it was Hine who delivered in spectacular style. In just his second over Hine ripped out the top order with three wickets all bowled and just one run. Richardson followed suit in his next over and shortly after Hine took two more and closed his spell 7 overs, 2 maidens, 6 runs 5 wickets. It set the standard and Havering stamped their mark in the field. Richardson weighed in with his second wicket caught comfortably by Dan Keylock to close 2-18 off his 9 overs. James Mc Velia struggled for rhythm at times in his two over spell but showed good promise and Andy Dent then took over bagging his two wickets for one run off his two overs including an athletic caught and bowled. Mitchell Walker also joined in the fun starting his spell in the good form he is currently enjoying spinning lethal leg breaks that the hosts tail had no answers to. In the 22nd over Walker wrapped it up finding a top edge looping up for Williams to take in the gloves. Havering bowled out their hosts for just 36 runs.
Havering won by 107 Runs
Havering III 21 points South Woodham Ferrers III 5 points

Havering III travelled to Bentley this week to take on the third in the table side who narrowly beat Tim Hills side earlier in the season. Having lost the toss Havering were put into bat on a very small ground. Emma Honey and Andrew Dent opened and started well before Honey top edged for just 4. Dent went on to 22 before he was caught shortly after. James Lavender (35) and Tom Gentle (27) put on fifty for the next wicket with fine cricket shots and good sharp running before Gentle ran himself out and Colin Burton came in for only his third innings of the season for the club. Lavender was then caught in the 22nd over with the score on 106 and Hills joined Burton in the middle. Hills went on the attack with four 4s and 3 sixes for a quick fire 39 before he was undone by a slow one and stumped. It was a 65 run partnership and gave a sharp boost to the score. Burton carried on playing a near faultless innings and soon reached his fifty in good time with plenty of overs still to go. Tom Mitchell went for just 10 and debutant Jake Goodwin went for a duck but nevertheless Havering were eyeing something well beyond 250. When Burton finally fell for 77, a great catch in the deep seeing to him, it was left to Russell Harley stranded as Matt Lanagan and Mitchell Walker both fell in the 43rd over for no score and Havering made it to 250 all out off 42.5 overs.
Havering had a game here last year where they scored big early on and bowled their hosts out cheaply. Similar things looked on the cards this time as Andy Dent and Tom Gentle ripped through the top order, Gentle taking 2-11 off his 7 overs finding some surprising bounce on an otherwise flat wicket. Mitchell Walker then took 2-18 off his 6 overs. Dent ended his 9 over spell returning 4-16 and this was followed up by Tom Mitchell 2-9 off 3.4 overs. Havering just kept taking wickets and only two Bentley players made it to double figures. It was all over in the 26th over with Mitchell taking the last wicket and Havering bowled Bentley out for just 61 runs to win emphatically by 189 runs.
Havering won by 189 Runs
Havering 26 points Bentley VI 5 points.

Havering hosted one of the two table toppers Great Baddow III at Hall Lane and having lost the toss Tim Hills side were put into bat. Nick Hine and Emma Honey opened up the innings and early on Honey was bowled going onto the back foot not for the first time this season. Hine went on the offensive early on but was dismissed shortly after in similar fashion for just 9. James Lavender in good form recently played some nice shots before he toppled out of his crease and was stumped for 10, Clive Tickner bowled for 1 and Adam Murray was LBW for 1 then recent hero Paul Leggatt went cheaply all of which put Havering well and truly in the mire at 42-6 in the 26th over. Captain Tim Hills had suffered an injury and was forced to bat down the order but hit a breezy 13 in short time trying to ignite the remainder of the innings but he top edged to the infield and young Matt Lanagan and Andy Trowse came together. With half the overs remaining it seemed likely that Havering would slump all out in no time but these two had other ideas. A very patient and mature knock from Matt Lanagan and Andy Trowse digging in really well to keep his wicket intact both were looking to block out the innings and they managed it both ending the 45 overs 32 not out and Havering closed on a slightly more respectable 139-7.
In response an early wicket was crucial to keep the game alive for the hosts and Tom Hine provided it getting through the defences of Davine to bowl him and Havering began to believe the game could be theirs. But a firm counter attack promptly shut the door again as Baddow showed their class as a top side in this division only losing two more wickets to reach 143-3 in just 26 overs. Two late wickets for Paul Leggatt ensured a bowling point but it was a disappointing and limp end to the day for Havering.
Havering lost by 7 Wkts
Havering III 1 point Great Baddow III 19 points

Heavy rain overnight dampened conditions at Eastwood this week and Tim Hills side were put into bat at the toss which was won by ten man Eastwood. Hills had a few changes in personnel which led to Paul Leggatt promoted to open with Nick Hine to try and make a composed start to the innings. It all looked fine for a couple of overs but Hine ran himself out for 2 and Leggatt followed soon after for 5 and Havering were 12-2. James Lavender was joined by Hills and they settled in quite well, both finding the boundary with tidy strokes with two big sixes from the skipper. The first a clean pick up off the bowling of Creasey to send it onto the 2nd XI square beyond, and the second a maximum taking advantage of a high full toss to smash the ball flat towards the scorers table. The pair had put on almost 50 together when Lavender skied one to be caught well in the infield for 24. Tom Mitchell joined Hills but just after drinks Hills, looking to pick up the pace sliced a drive up and was caught for 34 and the score was 79-4. From then on the remaining batsmen did little to add to the score with the tricky bowling of Creasey catching out Mitchell for a competent 13 and the home side skipper James Drabble had a superb day with the ball taking three wickets in an over and finishing 5-17. Nobody really added a notable score and Havering closed on a miserable 113 all out off just 30.3 overs.
The team failures with the bat have presented Eastwood with a chance for their first win of the season. They now had 59 overs to score 114 runs. Havering had to rally in the field and had the perfect start with Steve Summerville striking in his first over with an easy catch chipped to McVelia. But two youngsters in R Creasey and A Mathews digging in under some intensive bowling pressure from Tom Hine, Summerville and Ryan Hurley, and they made it safely to drinks with 42-1 off 20 overs. After drinks Havering began surrounding the bat and trying to force the mistakes but the two youngsters were superb in their resistance. Mitchell Walker came into the attack and finally the chance came, Creasey bottom edging onto his boot and the ball looping up for diving catch by Hine. Now the breakthrough had come Summerville came back in and wickets began to fall. Havering had bowled very tightly and the run rate was only ever par but never getting away until nearer the end. Walker and Summerville managed to work out more wickets for themselves, Walker bowling with supreme control and Summerville bowling his tricky variations. A Creasey came in at 5 but wickets fell around him and although he was looking to smash everything across the line he was getting bat on ball and boundaries began to flow. The score crept over 100 with 7 wickets down until Summerville went straight through Drabble for just 1 and the last man was in. With the score 106-8 Creasey was found out mistiming the ball straight up only to be dropped by Summerville off his own bowling. Shortly after Summerville was bowled out and finished his 12 overs with superb figures of 5-42. Tom Hine came back at the other end and how he didnt get a wicket only the laws of physics will explain, he was too quick for the opposition batsmen but could not hit the stumps, missing by fractions every ball of his second spell and finished with 11 overs 0-16. Ryan Hurley came back and at 110-8 the game was very tense. But Hurley got one through Creasey and Eastwood were all out for 110.
Havering won by 3 Runs
Havering 21 points, Eastwood IV 5 points.

Havering hosted Hullbridge II at Hall Lane this week under threat of constant showers in the forecast. Having lost the toss the hosts were put into bat but an early first shower of the day meant both sides lost an over each before a ball was bowled. Havering eventually started with Nick Hine and Emma Honey looking to take control, but early on a second heavy shower meant further time was lost and the game now reduced to 42 overs per side. Honey and Hine then fell in quick succession after the restart and Tom Gentle and James Lavender came together with the score on 16-2. Lavender rode his luck from time to time but Gentle was faultless in his watchful and composed innings. The fifty partnership came in good time but in the 25th over the partnership of 72 was finally broken. Tom Gentle made one error of judgement and went back to a ball that jagged past his defences to bowl him for a superb 40 and a welcome return to form. Hills then came to the crease and immediately took the attack to the opposition. Lavender fell not long after also for 40. Hills (27) and Dave Roe (28) both began a very attacking period of the innings and the score raced along, the first batting point was easily accomplished and with plenty of time Havering kicked on further. Hills was eventually stumped and with 11 overs left and plenty of batting still in the shed Havering went all out to accumulate as many batting points as possible while the going was good. Mike Roe followed his father, and in a similar pattern to the previous week it was him and Paul Leaggatt who finished the innings at a good rate hitting over 30 runs off the last three overs. Roe was bowled for 26 but Leggatt continued to the end to finish 25 not out and Havering closed 228-8 off their 42 overs.
Another heavy downpour came and went during tea. The visitors only had 9 players for the game so the hosts knew only 8 wickets would be needed for victory. A typically tight opening spell from Mike Roe started things off with back to back maidens but no breakthrough. Tom Gentle at the other end however was a little more erratic but suddenly two wickets in two balls and Havering were in the hunt for a likely crushing victory. Roe then struck in his next over to take the wicket of Sheperd for a duck and by this point only Herbert had played any sort of attacking shot. Heavy rain then forced players off for a short period and Havering felt they were agonisingly close to a quick victory. Play did resume briefly and although Gentle missed out on a hatrick in his next, Roe then found Herberts edge caught by Dave Roe at slip for 17. More rain began to threaten the result and conditions were becoming very difficult to continue. As the downpour got heavier Hills made the call to come off yet again and the score was 27-4 in the 9th over. The latest rain lasted too long and the match was abandoned as a draw. Match abandoned as a draw
Havering III 11 points Hullbridge II 4 points

Plenty of rain fell in the lead up to this weeks game so it was no surprise to see a damp and green wicket and wet outfield at Spring Farm Park. Both captains seemed happy to lose the toss but the home team won it and put Havering in. Havering had a very slow, but competent start with Tom Gentle (13) and Emma Honey having to remain ever watchful against some good tight bowling. Gentle was the first to fall and was soon followed by Ollie Williams who seemed frustrated at the lack of run scoring. By the 16th over Havering at reached 38-2 but as the skipper came out it was still a time of patience. 150 was talked about as a decent total but 8 overs later Tim Hills edged a very wide ball caught behind for just 2 and was swiftly followed by Nick Hine stumped for a duck falling out of his crease. Howard Bancroft (6), Tom Mitchell (18) and Emma Honey continuing and Havering started to up the pace after drinks, Emma had played well for 33 but then had one sneak through to end her long vigil. With ten overs to go Havering had only just passed three figures and 150 would take some work. So an unbeaten 8th wicket partnership of 48 between Mike Roe (25no) and Paul Leggatt (21no) who really worked hard for their runs, was the perfect tonic and Havering saw out their 45 overs to close 152-8 and came in for tea in good spirit.
In response Havering knew they needed to start strong and tight to not let Rainham back in the door and the hosts found it just as hard to score as the wicket began to dry out a little. Roe had another fine display and got an early LBW of Callaghan for 7 with the score on 24 and Tom Gentle opening at the other end had Marglothy trapped for a breezy 18 and in the 14th over the hosts were only 24-2. Vice captain Mitchell Walker then had one of his best ever bowling days. He was almost unplayable for his entire spell and supported well in the field gave the batsmen nothing and began to take wickets, he bowled a long spell and was backed up in this by Tom Mitchell (0-17) and then Ryan Hurley (2-10) who continues to impress greatly. Walker finally finished 11 overs 4-27 with 8 runs off his last over. Roe came back with one wicket to take and weather threatening a heavy downpour and mopped up the tail to close his figures 2-14 and Havering wrapped up a very fine and much needed win, bowling Rainham all out for 87 in 37.5 overs.
Havering won by 65 Runs
Havering 22 points Rainham II 4 points

Havering hosted Rayleigh V at Hall Lane this week and having won the toss Tim Hills put the visitors into bat. Early on it looked to be costly with Mike Roe being dispatched several times to the boundary behind square on the off side with a mixture of thick edges and guided shots by Hammond (34) and by the 4th over the visitors had reached 42-0 with the younger members of the home side looking very dejected. Ryan Hurley continued to do a decent job opening the other end for Havering however with his left arm spin and when he struck in his third over Hills called his troops in for a rallying cry. It seemed to do the trick as Rayleigh then slipped to 64-5 in no time with Paul Leggatt claiming two and Hurley his second and mixed in was a superb run out courtesy of some athletic work from Matt Lanagan at mid wicket. The game then began to fall into a usual day at Hall Lane with wickets falling but runs being hurried, Mitchell Walker having a fine brief spell near the end with 2 wides bowled in his 4 overs the only runs in his figures for two wickets. Mike Roe came back at the end and blasted the last two wickets out to finish 51-3 and Rayleigh all out for 130 off 37.5 overs.
Haverings reply was solid enough with little in the way of runs but Emma Honey and James Lavernder, recently dropped down from the 2nds, looking to get the hang of a tricky looking wicket. But in the 4th over the Hall Lane pitch did for Emma as she got a short of a length ball shoot along at shin height to clean her up for 0, and this was followed by Ollie Williams a few overs later getting an identical ball falling the same way for 1. The very next ball Tim Hills got a wider ball that shot through and jagged back back at toe height and he lost his castle. Havering reeling. Ryan Hurley then got in a mess backing into his stumps for a plumb LBW and Mike Roe went half back at the other end to yet another low shooter that cannoned off his pad and shaved the off stump removing a bail. Havering continued to struggle and in the 9th over were 14-7. Paul Leggatt battened down the hatches and held on to his wicket supported by Clive Tickner for an 8 over 0. Matt Lanagan then joined Leggatt and the pair looked comfortable now that the openers were off, Keeley 4-3 off his 7 overs, getting the help from the wicket and Dunn 14-3 off 12 bowling good tight lines. Leggatt finally fell for a drawn out 9 and the final two wickets bravely saw off ball after ball but the writing was well and truly on the wall. Lanagan finished 14 not out but Havering were bowled out for 65.
Havering lost by 65 runs
Havering 5 points Rayleigh V 22 points

Havering narrowly lost away to Little Baddow III in their latest Division 11 match. Put into bat on the small ground in Danbury, Havering got off to a solid start, Nick Hine (17) and Dave Roe put on 62 for the first wicket with Dave in particular attacking the opening bowling with a fine 50 before he was bowled. Bradley Tollon hung around for a while and was desperately unlucky to be run out for 7 by the ball deflected onto the stumps by the bowler from a straight drive from Ollie Williams, but the pace of the innings had stuttered by then. Tim Hills and Ollie then put on 58 for the 4th wicket and looked to try and push the run rate back up to get the total well beyond 200 but Tim developed a muscle strain midway into his time at the crease and struggled for much more than singles. Ollie finally fell for a very fine 51 looking to hit out with overs running out, and there was now a concern they might not make 200. This fear was finally realised when Tim was out for 37 mistiming a short ball from Wilkinson, who was the pick of the bowlers with 3-16, and the score on 192-6 in the 41st over. The remaining batsmen struggled to make any impact and despite a desperate push for the extra batting point off the last ball with 2 runs needed, Mitchell Walker almost overtook Paul Leggatt who was eventually run out for 3 off the last ball of the innings. Havering closed 199 all out off their 45 overs.
Little Baddow had a slow start to the reply, with the visitors opting for a spin from Ryan Hurley to open one end and Mike Roe as usual from the other end. Ryan started very well, dropping the ball straight onto the mark and getting the early wicket with a beauty, pitching and turning past the outside edge back into the stumps to see off Sail for 3. But Havering then seemed to run out of luck. A close run out, dropped catch, edges dropping short and some poor fielding at times, they had a lid on the score early on and the hosts innings was very similar all the way through the piece. Ryan bowled out from his end to end (2-54) and was unlucky not to had more finding several inside edges that just would not hit the stumps. By the 30th over Baddow looked to have edged ahead again needing just 60 to win and only 2 wickets down. With 5 overs to go they needed 15 and Havering had brought Dave Roe back into the attack early to try and blast some wickets but he had no luck at all and finished his 12 overs with 0-21, Tom Buckley had a mixed bag bowling some good tight overs followed by the odd loose over and despite taking 2-35 it was off his bowling that the hosts finally hit the winning runs with 8 balls left in the game. Havering were extremely disappointe and will wonder where they lost it having had decent starts with both bat and ball.

Havering Lost by by 6 wickets
Havering 4 points Little Baddow III 24 points

A strong line-up for Havering took to the field looking to reverse their fortunes from the earlier league failings against South Woodham Ferrers 3s. Tim Hills won the toss in near perfect batting conditions and had no hesitation in batting first. Peter Edge (35) and Andy Dent opened and when Andrew fell on 17 Dave Keylock (26) shared a 50 run partnership for the second wicket with Peter. The scoring rate was looking adequate enough but then trouble struck as both David and then Peter fell in consecutive overs, and Tom Gentle lasted only 7 balls for his duck skying the ball to the infield. Tim Hills was joined by Kevin Stanbridge (19) with 19 overs left and the score only on 94-4 with Havering targeting 250. The pair shared a 96 run partnership before Kevin was run out trying to snatch a quick single and falling to smart piece of fielding and a direct hit from the covers. The skipper batted a little streakily early on and rode his luck with two drops in the deep looking to clear the fence but then regained some composure By the end of the 41st over the score was 200-5 and Tim began hitting out and rushed the score along, with Ryan Hurley offering good support to boost the final tally with his contribution of 25 not out. Havering closed on 241-5 with Tim unbeaten 83 including 11 fours and 3 sixes.
To follow this with the wicket still playing very true Havering knew they need to keep things tight with the ball, and the visitors never really looked like going after the target. Tom Hine (3-22) and Mike Roe (2-12) bowled good tight lines in the opening spell, Mike in particular giving nothing away at all and deserved better figures than he got. They were backed up well by Tom Gentle and Kevin Stanbridge. Kevin (1-6) providing his usual control and Tom, in his first game of the season, improved on his batting day out by taking 4 wickets for just 6 runs. There was some resistence from the youngsters at the lower order, but Tom took the last two wickets in the same over to win the match bowling South Woodham Ferrers out for 48 off 30 overs with nobody getting into double figures.
A Very strong and convincing win for the hosts.
Havering 25 points South Woodham Ferrers III 2 points

Second game out for Havering 3rds in the league and another disappointing defeat this time away at Billericay St John. Havering lost the toss and bowled first on a soft looking pitch. Mike Roe bowled another strong opening spell in which he took two wickets but was not supported at the other end. The hosts raced along with some very average bowling allowing them to race along at over 8 an over. Havering then managed to gain some control with a strong spell from Mick Houghton and Paul Leggatt who not only put the brakes on the innings but also took wickets. Wesson (68) batted well for his contribution and Stephens played sensible cricket to finish 81no. Mick Houghton took 4-51 off his 11 over spell and Paul Leggatt 1-45 off his 11 overs and Havering were back in the reckoning. But a defiant last stand of 78 unbeaten between Stephens and captain Roger Carpenter (32no) took the hosts on to 247-7 at the close. Mike Roe was unlucky in his second spell not to do more and finished 12 overs with figures of 2-49 with Mitchell Walker also unlucky with figures not telling the true story on 0-40 off his 7 overs.
In the run chase Havering had a slow start with just 22-1 in the ninth and then 32-4 in the thirteenth including skipper Tim Hills looking in good touch before running himself out on 10. Mike Roe also looked good before offering a catch in the deep also on 10 and the tail was exposed very early. In stepped Paul Leggatt to follow up his good work with the ball. He played a very watchful opening to his innings but then took advantage of the first bowling changes to kick on his score and although wickets still fell at the other end he found himself 49 not out when Mick Houghton went out to join him as last man. Paul got to his maiden 50 but was then bowled on 51 and Havering were all out for 128 off 37.3 overs.
A second bad result for Havering 3rds who need to show the rest of this division a decent batting show to contend for promotion back to division 10.

Havering 3 points Billericay ST. John II 25 points
Havering lost by 119 runs.

New league campaign for Havering at Hall Lane started with a visit of Bentley 4th XI who won the toss and put the hosts in to bat. A new square has been laid since last summers issues but early on there was still clearly going to be challenges ahead. Dave Roe (13) was particularly watchful as the ball jumped or shot through low several times in the opening spell and it was not until the 9th over when Nick Hine got one shooting through at ankle height bowled for 4. The score was then 27-1 but from then on the pitch really seemed to get into the heads of the hosts. Wickets tumbling with the score barely moving and in the 25th over they had slumped to a miserable 42-8. A determined crash and bash by Tom Buckley (17) supported by the ever youthful Mick the salad Houghton (5) showed the pitch was not all to blame for the poor showing but Havering were all out for 73.
In response new 3s skipper Tim Hills demanded his team give everything as early wickets and low run rate could still save the game, and Mike Roe and Tom Buckley both came steaming in the opening overs of the innings keeping the score very tight. Tom Buckley was unlucky not to strike on a few occasions finishing 0-14 off a short 3 over spell. Mike Roe on the other hand was absolutely imperious bowling at superb pace and passing the edge of both openers too many times to remember. However the score continued to slowly build and Bentley had all the time in the day to hit the target. Changes in the bowling began to work as Mike Roe finally got his reward with two perfect yorkers defeating both openers in quick succession and suddenly at 26-2 the score had an element of familiarity about it. Havering were unlucky not to get a run-out but Jack Sainty got slice of luck from an optimistic LBW appeal given against DORAN for 23. Bentley were still adding runs. Enter Matt Lanagan, with the score on 71 he bowled Syms, sharp fielding from Bradley Tollon afforded a run out of Bacon and then another clean bowled from Lanagan and at 71-6 with just 3 needed for victory there was faint hope. Mike Roe came back for a final blast and despite several edges through the 3 slips and 2 gulleys’ the day was not going to be Haverings. Bentley closing 74-6 off 21.1 overs to win.

Havering lost by 4 wickets.
Havering 3 points Bentley IV 26 points

Final pre season friendly before the league business starts and shop window time for some younger members of the side. Havering won the toss and batted first and looked to struggle against a talented opening attack from the visitors. Andy Dent looked tucked up and frustrated for a lot of the opening spell and when opening partner Nick Hine was bowled for 11, Andy soon followed in similar fashion for just 4. Skipper Tim Hills (14) Tim Richardson (2) were soon back in the shed and the middle order had to recover. Kevin Stanbridge and Kyle Butler worked well working the ball and keeping the scoreboard ticking but when Kevin was bowled for 21 and tail starting to be exposed, it was down to young Ryan Hurley to play a mature innings and work to build up a competitive score. Kyle Butler (36) and Bradley Tollon (10no) supported Ryan to 74 not out by the end of the innings and Havering had recovered to a very respectable 188-6 with Ryan Hurley taking all the credit with a fine and disciplined knock.
In response Havering opening bowlers looked on the mark and restricted the visitors to just 37-2 off the first 12 overs. Andy Dent later returned a second spell and took 2-25 but the home side seemed to have not a lot of luck. They were in the game throughout and looking to defend well the small total they had earlier set but could not break down the Ardleigh Green batting order. Of note for the visitors Miss Laura Owens, who had earlier bowled well, rode her luck and wore some bruises early on but batted very well and put together a very impressive 58 not out. By the 22nd over it was still in the balance at 85-3 but from then on poor bowling, lack of discipline in the field and good stroke play by the visitors took the game from Havering and in the 37th over a well guided shot through third man brought the winning runs to the visitors.
Havering will rue this defeat, maybe with a better opening with the bat, some more wickets with the ball and better discipline all round this could have been a good side to beat. Havering lost by 6 wickets.

A New day and a new season for HABCC 3rd and 4th mixed XI who took to the field on a simply stunning sunny hot day at Broxhill Road to face Great Baddow III. New 3rd team skipper Tim Hills won the toss and chose to bat and in the heat and nothing more could have been asked from the openers Nick Hine (18) and Andy Dent (43). Both batsmen were spoilt with a poor opening bowling display from the visitors with a total of 52 extras in the innings. When Nick played on for the first wicket the score was already 60 off just 10 overs. A small flurry of wickets however could have let Baddow back in to the mix but a fine day for Kevin Stanbridge (71) and a welcome return for Kyle Butler (39) who put on 112 and not only steadied the ship but set Havering on their way to set a decent total. Kevin Stanbridge in particular scoring freely for only his second half century for the club, he was a class act against the visitors attack and ably supported by Kyle Butler. Late wickets slightly overshadowed the innings but the hosts closed on a very competitive 240-8 off their 40 overs. And a mention for the visitors James Davey who took 4-31 off 7 overs in apparently his first game of cricket... ever.

Distant thunder and lightneing provided the backdrop for Baddow as they started their reply and the hosts struck early as young Jack Sainty playing in his first mixed age match for the club took a wicket in his first spell. Andrew Dent was very tidy and threatening at the other end and deserved far more than his 1-26 off 7 overs showed. When Sainty ended his spell of 5o 0m 1-42 Ryan Hurley brought his spin bowling into the fray and immediately struck with a beauty that turned and bounced on the batsmen to clean him up, the start of a very impressive spell from Ryan who went on to return 3-33 off his 8 overs. Baddow had limped to 60-3 and a few catches started to go down, Kevin Stanbridge was unlucky not to get a wicket with his usual Mr reliable routine and then another debutant Matt Lanagan replaced him and the end was soon in sight. Clearly feeling the pressure of the moment his opening over was punished by the batsmen but like Sainty earlier once settled he began to look effective and ended cleaning up the game with figures of 5.4 overs 4-35 including a stumping by stand in wicket keeper and skipper Tim Hills to end it. Baddow bowled all out for 166 off 32.4 and a very satisfying start for the season for the Havering side.