A SUPERB performance from Dunmow saw them secure a three-wicket victory over league leaders Worlington, and invigorate their challenge for promotion to the top tier of the Two Counties League.

Buoyed by last week’s comprehensive away win, Dunmow were confident that they could stage an upset against a side that had lost just once in the league in over two years.

Captain Paul Reid won the toss and elected to bowl below an overcast sky. Josh Down exploited the conditions well, trapping the prolific Baugh LBW for just two.

Matt Gibson bowled a typically miserly spell from the other end, and his discipline and patience were rewarded when he collected the wicket of Watson for 13, also LBW.

Worlington consolidated, but just as they attempted to inject some impetus into their innings, Dunmow counter-attacked. Baz Sewell spun his way through the Worlington middle order, returning figures of 4-23 from 9 overs as he extended his exceptional run of form.

He was ably supported by Steve Hamlin, whose marathon spell included the dismissal of top scorer Ford, and Dunmow’s fielders, who effected two run-outs with direct hits.

Set 175 to win, Dunmow began positively with Josh Down dispatching wayward deliveries with aplomb. The unfortunate early dismissal of Luke Swanston brought to the crease Oli Rooney, who looked to anchor the Dunmow chase.

Down continued to plunder runs, twice hitting opener Marston out of the ground, whilst Rooney batted serenely at the other end. Down eventually fell for a belligerent 51, but Dunmow remained resolute and reached a commanding 117-2.

The plot thickened when a middle-order slump left Dunmow requiring 35 runs with just three wickets and 7 overs remaining. Cue Matt Gibson, whose selective brutality proved the perfect foil for Rooney’s measured knock.

It was Gibson who delivered the coup de grâce with his second maximum, to the delight of the home supporters. He ended on 21 not out with the unflappable Rooney finishing with a fine 72 not out.

With division two’s top three all suffering defeat, the race for promotion could hardly be more open. Dunmow next travel to second-placed Brockley, knowing that a win would see them leapfrog their opponents.

This promises to be an exciting year for the club. There is a busy schedule of Saturday and Sunday fixtures running to September. All are most welcome to come down to enjoy the cricket and lend their support.