EAST ANGLIAN VETERANS 173-4 (Mingel 103 no, Cardy 22, Tompkins 2-25) 40 overs
TWO COUNTIES OVER-70s 174-4 (Isaac 50, Martin 43 no, Highfield 29 no, Scammel 2-50) 31.1 overs

TWO COUNTIES OVER-70 won by 5 wickets

Yes, you did read that correctly, rain, the wet stuff that has not fallen from the sky over Essex for what seems like months, actually did fall over Elmstead’s cricket ground during this contest. This phenomena occured just after the start of the 27th over of the East Anglian Veterans innings when they were on 102-2. An interlude of an hour and three-quarters followed before play in this 40 over contest resumed.
When it did Stephanie Mingel went on to bat throughout the innings for an impressive 103 not out, and for the Two Counties team the highlight came when Bruce Tompkins took two in two to reduce the visitors from 150-2 to 150-4. They finally closed with 173-4 on the board. Both teams had started with only 10 players, and the Two Counties were soon to be handicapped further by an injury to Glyn Webster, though he would have batted if required, and John Stonehouse having to depart early as the match was over running it’s originally planned schedule.
Our reply started briskly, but in the sixth over John Stuck was almost, inexplicably bowled by a delivery which moved from outside his leg side to hit his off stump, 31-1. At 57, Willie Mugleston was caught behind for 12. Chris Martin came in to join Steve Isaac, and Steve immediately took it upon himself to release some of the shackles, but hitting Kelland for 17 in one over. This took the score from 62 to 80 off 15 overs, and put us back in control. Having just reach his second consecutive half-century Steve gave himself way too much room and missed the ball. 100-3 from 21 overs.
Chris Martin, 43 not out, held the remainder of the innings together, and despite the loss of Tony Keeble for 9 at 128, he, with a brisk 29 not out from Alan Highfield, took us through to 174-4 with the best part of nine overs to spare.
As usual, our thanks are extended to Elmstead CC for hosting the match, and to Angela Tuff and Ray Digweed for officiating.