Not many games would have survived the inclement weather of earlier in the week, here at North Stifford the sunshine on the day and hard
work a of the ground staff, eventually saw the game start 1/2 an hour late and reduced to a 35 overs a side game.
Essex batted first, the Aussie attack lacked a Lillee, but the mostly military medium paced attack worked hard to contain the Essex
batters and contain they did, Essex were just 56-2 after 18 overs, Don Curtis 26 and Ken Porter 2 were the early victims.
In the second half of the innings 103 runs came in just 17 overs as Malcolm Bottomley put together a very good 32, Malcolm Wright still a
class act put in a Man of the Match score of 45. Skipper Dave Carter almost maimed an Aussie fielder as his calypso style saw him reach 32
runs in 31 balls before being run out, Ash Patel also departed in the same 34th over, before John Doughty 3 not out and Terry Sims 2 not
out completed the innings with Essex 159-6. The wickets were shared around as Watsford picked up 2-43 in 6 overs, with Sherwell, Cannon
and Carey ending with one victim each.
In contrast the Essex attack was more lively with Kevan Anderson (1-11)showing good pace, his partner in crime Ralph Dellor, yes the
broadcaster of some repute, of Grandstand and Sunday League cricket fame, put the Aussies under pressure (2-13), with runs hard to come by
Rowland spent time at crease for his 19, later Barrett 37 not out and Watsford 24 took charge, but in the end the all round strength of
the Essex bowling with Bob Fulford (2-14) showed through as the Aussies ended on 98-5.
Essex winning by 61 runs.
