Strugglers surprise the league leaders

Dunmow CC built on last week s victory by beating league leaders Haverhill on Saturday, in a thrilling Two Counties Cricket Championship Division Three encounter. Dunmow, bowling first on a hard, flat surface, made good use of the new ball as James Reid a

Dunmow CC built on last week's victory by beating league leaders Haverhill on Saturday, in a thrilling Two Counties Cricket Championship Division Three encounter.

Dunmow, bowling first on a hard, flat surface, made good use of the new ball as James Reid and Toby Hughes bowled tight opening spells causing trouble to Haverhill's top order.

Hughes was the first to strike as he picked up the early wicket of N Winter (4), in the third over. Hughes then bowled a long, hard working spell along with Richard Cross who was at his usual best.

After 20 overs Haverhill were at an under par score of 60-1.

Adam Dellar (85 no), joined Rob Sullivan (65), at the crease. Dellar stamped his authority on the game with a superb number of drives through the cover region.

Rob Sullivan's hard work was wasted when he tried a cross bat slog to leg spinner Rooney and was caught at a deep mid-on.

The skipper's departure brought the in form Dan Poole to the wicket who immediately took control and made a quick fire 36.

Nick Rooney and Paul Reid bowled well, however five dropped catches and a couple of miss fields allowed Haverhill to reach 213-4.

In reply Dunmow got off to the worst possible start losing Rooney in the third over, caught behind.

However, Tom Peacock (43) and Luke Swanston (36), put on 80 for the second wicket as both looked in great form and were edging Dunmow towards their target.

A sudden and unexpected collapse though, saw Dunmow lose Swanston, Reid and then Peacock all in the space of seven overs.

Nick Down came to the crease and steadied the ship, making a fine 80 not out to see

Dunmow through to a second win in two weeks.

Support from all of the Dunmow batsmen was crucial as they made their target on the last ball of the game after needing to score at 10 an over for the last eight overs, finishing on 214-9.

Dunmow travel to Kelvedon next week in a match where points will be vital if they are to avoid relegation.

Dunmow seconds also made it two wins on the spin, defeating Langley by four wickets in the Herts & Essex League Division Two.

Langley reached 172-9, with a good batting display from Dunmow seeing them reach 174-6.

On Saturday, Dunmow seconds host Epping Forresters.