Third loss in a row for Dunmow

Dunmow were left rueing crucial missed chances against Easton as they fell to their third successive defeat in the Two Counties Championship Division Two.

Skipper Paul Reid won the toss for the fourth week in a row and chose to bowl first on a fresh afternoon.

Once again, this looked to be a good decision as opening bowlers Matt Gibson and Josh Rix claimed regular victims to leave Easton 42-5 after 13 overs.

Things did not improve for the visitors with the introduction of Steve Hamlin as he took a wicket with his first ball on the way to figures of 3-43.

However, despite only one batsman in the top nine made double figures, the exception, Joleon Kimmerling was making Dunmow pay for putting him down on 35.

Furthermore when Matt Gibson was bowled out. having taken 3-46, the change bowling was unable to maintain the pressure with eight overs of spin going for 70.

In addition, Kimmerling finally found himself a willing partner in Jez Brotherton and together they took the score from 92-8 in the 23rd over to 224-8 at the close, with Kimmerling, dropped again on 96 making 127 not out and Brotherton 64 not out.

Dunmow’s reply was hampered before it begun, by injuries in the field to batsmen Nick Coupe and Nav Ali meaning they could only bat at nine and 11 respectively.

Unlike Easton’s innings, all the Dunmow top six made double figures, but not one of them was able to go on and make a big score.

Wickets fell regularly and although Ali played through the pain to top score with 27, Easton wrapped up the victory in the 38th over.

Dunmow 2nds recorded a 134-run win against Boxford to back up their season opener against Kelvedon & Feering 3rds the week before.

On Saturday Dunmow host Exning. The 2nds travel to West Bergholt.