Rooney’s ton answers Dunmow captain’s plea
Dunmow Cricket Club's Ollie Rooney. Picture by Jamie Pluck. - Credit: Archant
A plea from Dunmow CC skipper Paul Reid to be more aggressive and positive was answered emphatically in a convincing 106-run victory against fellow strugglers Exning on Saturday.
Ollie Rooney fired an unbeaten 129 in a match-winning display at St Edmunds Lane in the Two Counties Cricket Championship Division Two clash.
Reid won the toss and his decision to bat immediately proved to be an inspired choice when Luke Swanston hit 21 from the second over, Starling the bowler taking the punishment.
Despite the setback caused by the early fall of Joe Gallant, Swanston and Rooney continued to show positive intent and at drinks had moved the score on to 127-1.
Swanston fell at 175 for a well made 83, but star man Rooney continued serenely to a match winning 129 not out, he was supported by Josh Down (16) and Paul Reid (13) on the way.
At tea, having posted their highest score for at least three seasons, Dunmow were confident.
Conditions and the wicket in particular were still conducive to batting, and a number of the Exning batsmen got themselves in without going on to make a big score.
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That included the prized wicket of Tim Catley (28) following a sustained period of pressure which forced him to take additional risks.
Josh Down claimed 4-33 and Baz Sewell 5-61 as Dunmow cruised to an easy win.
The result moved them up the table to eighth, they have won three and lost four of their seven games.
On Saturday Dunmow travel to league leaders Copford who have won six of their seven games in the campaign so far.
