HAINAULT & CL'HALL...253-8

CHELMSFORD.......170 all out

(Hainault & Clayhall won by 83 runs)

Chelmsford's struggle to make the jump to Premier Division cricket and the all day game continued on Saturday with a disappointing defeat at Hainault & Clayhall.

Hopes were high at the beginning, especially after an excellent opening burst from Simon Evans had Hainault reeling at 38 for three.

However that proved to be the high point of the day, as Hainault prospered from adopting a positive approach, especially from former Essex player, Robert Rollins.

The pressure told as Chelmsford's work in the field became sloppy in the long awaited summer sun and a number of chances were spurned.

By lunch, Hainault were in control, although a wicket for Evans in the last over left the score at 158 for five.

The break did not harm Rollins as he plundered the Chelmsford attack for 88 before Keith Goodman finally got some reward for his endeavour and his team declared shortly after obtaining maximum batting points.

This looked a daunting total for a side that has been short of runs this season.

A reasonable start was made but the inexperience of the Chelmsford batsmen at this form of the game told as several of the top order succumbed after seemingly getting set.

This was particularly unfortunate given the outstanding efforts of Paul Jones, as, having been through seven partners he was dismissed for an excellent 77.

By then there were only bonus points to play for, and Matthew Poole's striking efforts secured the second point before he was well caught on the boundary, giving Shah his fifth victim and Hainault a deserved win.

Chelmsford are now without a win after four games. However, there is a long season ahead and with their strong team spirit, there is plenty of confidence in the camp that they can turn things around.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.