BRENTWOOD I.................................218-7 dec

CHELMSFORD I......................................155-7

(Match drawn)

(Shepherd Neame Essex League Division One)

After their recent run of good results, Chelmsford put in a disappointing performance in Saturday's match which was sponsored by Associated Media Base.

At the close, Chelmsford were left hanging on grimly for the draw without ever really having threatened a good total from Brentwood.

This result has cut Chelmsford's lead at the top of Division One to 17 points after victories for all their main title rivals.

Having won the toss, Brentwood decided to take first use of a good Chelmer Park wicket.

After an even first half, Tim Jones struck with two quick wickets to leave Brentwood wondering whether they had made the right decision.

Opposing captain, Mick Davies, entered at this stage and took it upon himself to justify his decision.

In association with Coleman, 105 runs were added for the third wicket and Chelmsford's breakthrough eventually coming from Ian Hare as Coleman was bowled for 57.

Brentwood had set themselves up for a good total and a succession of useful partnerships took them up to 218 for seven in 52 overs.

Davies was eventually dismissed for an excellent 86, with G. Jones making a useful unbeaten 35.

Despite a below par bowling performance Chelmsford still felt confident at the halfway stage after their recent good form with the bat.

However, despite a first wicket partnership of 51 between Paul Jones and Chris Cakebread, they were always slightly behind the rate.

Brentwood took the admirable step of taking the old ball and opening the bowling with a spinner and the spinners were bowling in tandem as early as the eighth over of Chelmsford's reply.

This tactic was negated by some overly defensive field placings.

This not only took away Chelmsford's hopes of victory as wickets fell at a steady rate, but also meant that Brentwood's own chances were significantly reduced as stalemate ensued.

Throughout the innings, Porter bowled superbly and ended with figures of 22-7-52-5.

A gritty knock from Moffat, ably supported by Semple and Everard, who had also done a fine job as stand-in wicket-keeper made sure that Chelmsford's unbeaten record was kept intact.

Chelmsford now bid farewell to Phil Moffat as he heads North to further his teaching career and he has been a useful team member contributing well with both bat and ball.

Saturday sees Chelmsford travel to Walthamstow as they look to put their first poor performance of the season behind them with a return to winning ways.

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