DUNMOW 2nd XI suffered a seven-wicket defeat against a strong Matching Green 1st XI in the First Division of the Herts & Essex Cricket League.

The inclement weather forced the game to be reduced to 37 overs per side. Dunmow batted first and posted a respectable 147-9. Simon Sargent’s score of 59 was the linchpin of the innings.

In reply, Matching Green struggled with the pace and movement of Mike West, who dismissed both openers in an attacking spell.

But the hosts’ experienced middle order dug in, and they eventually found runs easy to come by. Matching knocked off the total comfortably for the loss of just three wickets.

It was a disappointing defeat for Dunmow, who are still looking to chalk up their first win of the season, but they can take heart from the fact that they put one of the league’s best sides under some early pressure.

Dunmow’s Sunday XI avenged their teammates with a victory over the same opponents. Jack Swanston’s five wickets and half-centuries from Oli Rooney and Jack Sneath were the telling contributions.

Saturday’s rain prevented Dunmow 1st XI from achieving a fourth straight league win at home to Woodbridge. The game was abandoned with the visitors well-placed on 121-3.

Dunmow’s young cricketers have had the opportunity to showcase their potential in recent weeks.

The under-11 league side put on two very encouraging displays against Harlow Town and Saffron Walden, narrowly slipping to defeat in both games.

Meanwhile, the Dunmow Terrier side recorded one victory and one loss against Epping and Harlow Town respectively. For many it was their first competitive match; they played extremely well and showed great promise.

This Saturday’s double header sees the 2nd XI entertain Roding Valley (1.30pm start) and the 1st XI travel to Ipswich and East Suffolk. x