Westcliff On Sea (111/4) beat Southend On Sea & EMT (110/7) by six wickets

Medlocks Southend Evening Cricket League, Thursday 8th July

My latest evening cricket saw me make the dash over to Chalkwell Park after a stressful day at work to see Westcliff host SOS, although on arrival I was greeted with rather un summer like weather as the rain was teeming down although weather apps suggested that it would dry up and be a pleasant evening.

This didn't look likely though and me and Scott W (who was also in attendance) were losing hope of any play as surely the uncovered wicket and outfield would be too wet once it stopped raining, but after a 40 minute delay to the start of play the players took to the field to begin the contest armed with a huge bag of sawdust to make those damp areas safer and drier, it's amazing what a bit of sawdust can do!!!

SOS batted first in what was now a 16 overs a side contest on a wicket that certainly offered a bit of zip, but the ball was coming on nicely to the batters and the visitors certainly got off to a decent start to build a sold platform and try and set the hosts a competitive total to chase, and although Westcliff then took wickets at regular intervals, SOS managed to post a more than decent 110/7 and set Westcliff 111 to win with a run rate of just under 7 needed in their 16 overs.

The first half of the innings saw a steady batting display, although at 38/1 and needing 73 more from the final eight overs they needed to put their foot down and increase their run rate, and with wickets in hand this was possible, and largely thanks to Batsmen One (whose name I do not have) they put their foot on the gas and when he retired out on 50 they needed less than a run a ball.

And sure enough they hit the winning run with an over to spare, 73 runs in seven overs, and record a good win and maintain their position at the summit of the table. A good contest it was though, and reward to me and Scott and everyone else there for remaining patient at the start when the rain was falling, all good things come to those who wait as they say!!! SOS may disagree with that though after falling to defeat. 

Here are some photos I took of the evening...