Maldon came within a whisker of defeating the East Anglian Premier League champions Vauxhall Mallards, but ended up having to settle for a draw after dominating the match.

One wicket would have been enough to claim victory for Maldon, but despite Adrian McCoubrey bowling a hostile spell to claim his first five-wicket haul for the club that vital last wicket would not come.

Openers - Ian Elliot and Robert Barber survived an early Mallards onslaught Picture: ROB SAMBROOK

Mallards won the toss and elected to bowl in the damp conditions.

Bradshaw and Goldsmith bowled aggressive early spells, but Maldon's openers Ian Elliott and Robert Barber survived and after the first hour Maldon were 22 without loss from 13 overs.

Elliott added another 50 to his two centuries this season but was then caught behind.

There were no further alarms before lunch and Maldon reached the interval at 111 for one from 36 overs.

Barber played on to Spelman for 40 straight after the break, but Peter Wargent (47) and Glen Batticciotto (36) continued the good work.

Jeff Cook and Colin Barry added 61 quickfire runs from the last 40 balls.

Cook and Barry finished unbeaten on 28 and 31 respectively. Maldon reached a total of 252 for five from 66 overs.

Mallards reached 60 for three at tea and the game appeared to be heading for a stalemate as the pitch by this stage was lifeless.

However, debutant Tim Bondin provided a spark by dismissing Norfolk opener Amos with a brilliant one-handed caught and bowled and taking a second wicket in his next over.

McCoubrey went on to claim five wickets and with two overs remaining Mallards were 162 for nine, with Maldon just one wicket away from victory.

The last pair managed to hold out, enabling Mallards to escape with a draw and six points to Maldon's nine.

Published Wednesday, May 28, 2003

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