Dunmow take league victory

A fine fielding display from Dunmow seconds saw them overcome Willingale on Saturday in the Herts and Essex League Division Two at St Edmunds Lane. Willingale skipper Stuart Elswood won the toss and had no hesitation putting Dunmow in. Batting was tricky

A fine fielding display from Dunmow seconds saw them overcome Willingale on Saturday in the Herts and Essex League Division Two at St Edmunds Lane.

Willingale skipper Stuart Elswood won the toss and had no hesitation putting Dunmow in.

Batting was tricky with the pitch playing slowly, but Mark Barnes and Si Burrell made a steady start, putting on 39 for the first wicket, although using up 18 overs in the process.

Later batsmen felt the need to try and push the scoring rate on, but only Phil Clark (40 no) showed the application necessary to stay at the crease for more than a few overs as the middle order failed again.

Eventually Dunmow were all out for 134 and with the sun beating down and drying the pitch, it never really looked enough.

However, they showed a unity in the field they had not shown with the bat and never let any of the Willingale batsmen settle. A terrific opening spell from Anu Weerasinge (3-19) supported by superb fielding soon put Willingale on the back foot.

Other bowlers chipped in with wickets at crucial times. Andy Strong (1-29), Matt Gibson (1-11) and most impressively Dave Gypps with 3-11 from eight overs so that with five overs to go, Willingale were dismissed for only 110 with top scorer Clifford stranded on 42 not out.

Dunmow seconds visit Hockerill on Saturday while the first team, who's game last weekend was cancelled, host Lakenheath.