Hutton 2nd XI – 153 – 0
Stanford-le-Hope 2nd XI – 152 all out
DESPITE a promising start on a good batting track Stanford’s second string were soundly beaten in their visit to already promoted Hutton in the last game of the 2014 season.
Stanford skipper Drew Robinson won the toss and didn’t hesitate in choosing to bat first with opening batsmen Alex Ellis (27) and Jordan Dodd (12) making watchful but steady progress against the nagging accuracy of the Hutton bowlers. James Humphrys (25) and Duncan Page (23) also managed to make starts but a familiar middle order collapse left Stanford all out for a well below par 152. Hutton spinners Hugh O’Dell (4-23 off 13 overs) and Reece Howell (3-36 off 10 overs) doing the majority of the damage.
After tea the Hutton openers, with thoughts of going up as champions, made light work of Stanford’s depleted bowling attack dispatching the ball to all parts. To follow up his four wickets, O’Dell rounded off his performance with an unbeaten 100 from just 72 balls. Fellow opener and captain, Taylor, providing able support with 46 not out to see his side to victory.
Drew Robinson said: "It was a disappointing end to the season but credit to Hutton. They demonstrated exactly why they will be playing division one cricket in 2015. Despite today’s result we’re pleased to have stayed around mid table all season in this tough division given the extent of our availability issues."
