Josh breaks Eight Ash Green record (From Gazette)

Josh breaks Eight Ash Green record

10:10am Wednesday 13th May 2009

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Neither a slow start nor a painful blow to the shoulder could stop Josh Lennard-Jones re-writing the Eight Ash Green history books in the PDQ Cars North Essex League.

Lennard-Jones struck an unbeaten 116 in his team’s division four clash with North Springfield Wanderers and in doing so became the club’s youngest-ever century-maker in the competition, having celebrated his 16th birthday just days before.

Unfortunately for Eight Ash Green, his heroics were in a losing cause as North Springfield chased down their 206 for five for the loss of just one wicket, however, it took nothing away from the young batsman’s achievement in the senior ranks.

The right-handed batsman, who lives in Lexden and is currently studying for GCSEs at Colchester Royal Grammar School, said: “I was quite surprised to find out I was the youngest player, I didn’t think I would be, but it was quite pleasant to find out.

“It took me 15 balls to get off the mark and I said it could be one of the longest ducks for the club.

“One of their players was also quite quick and hit me on the shoulder early on.

“It did unsettle me a little as I had never been hit before, but it was good to go on and make a big score.”

The youngster had partnerships of 60 with fellow opener Neil Brinded and another one of 50 with Colin Hammond, showing North Springfield are certainly a side he enjoys playing against.

“I played for the firsts earlier in the season and scored four, but I played against the same oppoition last year for the seconds and hit 58 not out,” he added.

“There was quite a short boundary on one side.

“I’m usually an off-side player, but they used their spinners and, with the short boundary, I tried to work it through the leg side a lot.

“Hopefully we can have a good season.

“We have lost a few players to the firsts but if we can put out a strong team then I think we can beat most teams in the division.”

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