A belated declaration and stubborn resistance from two youngsters helped the Old Boys hang on for a draw on Saturday.
Upminster used their full 52-over allocation in amassing their 291-4 -- a decision that surprised Southendians' Chris Bunce.
He said: "You'd expect them to be a little more ambitious against the bottom-of-the-table side and declare at 230 or 240 to give themselves more chance of bowling us out.
"We did lose some early wickets and were 49-5 but then the two young lads came together and showed plenty of bottle to hang on for us, seeing off the last 25 overs."
The youngsters in question were 17-year-old Robert Johnston (52no) who stuck around to complete his maiden half-century for the firsts, and Jonathan James, who was unbeaten on 25 at stumps.
Australian star Scott Briggs was the other main contributor, making 30.
A Rosser (110no), S Rahman (46) and P Brockman (43) got Upminster's runs, with Russell Dennis (2-54) and Dave Slaughter (1-81) wicket takers for the home side.
Published Monday, August 4, 2003
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