WALTHAMSTOW I.........................204 all out

CHELMSFORD I......................................208-4

(Chelmsford won by six wickets)

(Shepherd Neame Essex League Division One)

Chelmsford produced a good performance on Saturday to bounce back to winning ways in their quest to gain promotion to the premier division.

With the pressure being applied by the chasing pack, it was an important victory for Chelmsford, and extinguished the memory of the poor performance of the previous week.

A quality spell of spin bowling from Keith Goodman was followed by an excellent run chase, the highlight of which was a superb century from Ian Brailey.

After winning the toss Chelmsford chose to give Walthamstow first use of a good looking wicket and despite an early breakthrough by Evans, the home side progressed steadily to 74 for one.

The return of Eddie Lawrence after injury was a welcome boost to Chelmsford and he made the breakthrough to get Mirza out for 30.

Goodman was introduced at the halfway stage with Walthamstow fairly well set at 90 for two and was immediately among the wickets as Walthamstow were reduced to 105 for five.

However Hafeez (S) and Owen steadied the innings with a useful half-century partnership.

Walthamstow then threw caution to the wind looking for quick late runs and Goodman picked up four of the last five wickets to end the innings at 204 all out.

Goodman finished with seven for 54, a deserved return during a season when luck has not always been on his side.

In reply, Zishan Panjwani and Brailey got off to a solid start against some lively bowling from S. Hafeez.

Panjwani was left stranded in mid-wicket after a mix-up with Brailey, and was run out with the score on 25.

Another quick wicket left Chelmsford in a precarious position as Tom Iliffe entered the fray.

Despite a somewhat nervy start, Iliffe took control as his trademark powerful driving came to the fore.

At the other end, Brailey began to dominate with some superb pull shots and good running between the wickets.

However, Chelmsford were still facing a difficult task as they entered the final 20 overs requiring 126 to win.

Iliffe was eventually out after another invaluable contribution of 55.

The partnership of 105 had taken Chelmsford to 130 for three and had significantly altered the balance of the match.

Walthamstow grabbed another quick wicket, but this was to be their last success as Brailey and Fergus carried Chelmsford to victory from the first ball of the last over with a good unbeaten partnership of 68.

Brailey ended with a deserved maiden first team league century after being stranded on 97 not out earlier in the month.

This was the best Saturday this season for Chelmsford as all of their four sides secured good victories.

On Saturday Chelmsford visit Horndon-on-the-Hill brimful of confidence that they can maintain their lead of 17 points over nearest challengers, Colchester & East Essex.

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