Chelmsford U16 192-5

Camul U16 183 all out

(Chelmsford won by nine runs)

(Matchplay League)

A fifth wicket partnership of 132 and some inspired out fielding were the main factors in seeing Chelmsford scrape home by nine runs in an enthralling contest.

Having first use of a good looking pitch, Chelmsford's start was positive but quick wickets brought Camul back into the game.

Chris Prowting, 13, then joined opener Steve Pleasant and these two swung the game back into Chelmsford's favour.

Aggressive, but sensible, batting saw the two put on a mighty 132 for the fifth wicket.

Prowting was bowled in the final over for 46 but Pleasant carried his bat for an unbeaten individual score of 108 out of a team score of 192 for five.

Camul chased 240 in their last game and reached it and were unbeaten in the group this summer so Chelmsford could not afford any complacency at the half way stage.

There was none of that as Steve Springett , with a point to prove, produced a fine opening spell of six overs which saw him capture two wickets, including that of the Camul danger man, Tom George, superbly caught by Matthew Thurston.

Try as they might, Chelmsford could not penetrate the defences of the opener, Warner and while he remained at the wicket, Camul were favourites to win.

At 159 for three with eight overs remaining the match was slipping away from Chelmsford but fortunes swung again when Warner was well caught for 83.

This paved the way for Adam Radfod and Springett to work through the lower order and despite brave resistance from Hammerston (31) the final Camul wicket was taken in the final over with the home side nine runs adrift.

Steve Springett finished with the outstanding analysis of 8-5-9-4 and he was well supported by Adam Redford with 7-5-0-31-4.

Although these two were the main contributors in the field, this was an outstanding team performance in which all the players contributed.

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