Indoor Cricket: Thurrock close to securing title

THURROCK “A” are on the cusp of claiming the U12 indoor cricket title following their narrow 13-run win over previously undefeated Basildon and Pitsea at Grays School on Friday evening.

The Blackshots-based team elected to bat first and made 102 for the loss of four wickets from their alloted dozen overs. Owen McNamara was on good form with the bat, hitting 27 before being run out by a direct throw in the final over.

He received valuable support from Tom Redman with 12 runs and Harry Millsom, who was unbeaten at the close on 10 runs. But the Basildon and Pitsea bowling and fielding was excellent; one further run out occurred from another direct hit as Travis Singleton picked up two wickets at a cost of just ten runs from two overs.

When Basildon and Pitsea batted, the top order struggled as Redman and Daniel Tagg both picked up 1-11 with the former also picking up a maiden, a rare feat in this form of the game. Redman’s figures spanned three overs and Tagg had two overs; their combined five overs had cost only 22 runs which put the Mopsies club under considerable pressure.

Daniel Blerkom managed 11 runs, but brother Charlie arrived at the crease as last man to score a brave undefeated 19, but even his heroics could not stave off his team’s first defeat, as Basildon and Pitsea closed on 89 for the loss of five wickets.

Meanwhile, Belhus “B” defeated Thurrock “B” by the same close marginh. Belhus “B” reached 104 for the loss of three wickets and Thurrock “B” responded with 91 all out with two balls remaining of the final over. Jude Ranson top scored for Belhus “B” with 25 not out and he was supported by a steady 13 not out from George Benson.

Oliver Webb was the most economical Thurrock “B” bowler with 2-13 from two overs, while Harrison Barr also emerged with credit in the bowling department with 1-14, also from two overs.

Jack Goyette was the leading light in the Thurrock “B” reply with 17 runs, but Frankie Debono picked up two wickets inside his first three deliveries to finish with 2-15 from two overs to help stem the run chase.

Henry Benson was also on form with the ball as his 2-13 from 2.4 overs kept the lid secure, while twin brother George led the way in the economy stakes with 1-22 from two overs.

Orsett, 118-0, signed off by recording a 76-run win over Thurrock “C”, who were dismissed for 42. For Orsett, Rajan Kular scored 11 not out and Cameron Pampantonious was also undefeated, with 14 not out. Then Orsett’s Cayman Lane recorded the second best bowling figures of the competition to date with an impressive three wickets at a cost of just five runs from two overs, while Reece Scott and Kular both picked up 1-7. Joe Pumfrett returned 1-16 but also played a significant part in two further dismissals with two catches, one of which was a spectacular diving effort.

Thurrock “A” need to win their final match against Belhus “B” this Friday (30th November, 7pm), to be certain of the title, or accrue nine or more bonus points in defeat. Should they fail, the title will go to either Basildon and Pitsea or Belhus “A” when they meet in the following fixture at 8pm. Earlier, Stanford le Hope will face Thurrock “C” at 6pm.