Chingford Cricket Club

By Guardian-series

Hornchurch 215-8 (dec)
Chingford 288-5 (dec)
(Division One)

WHILE Chingford remain amongst the promotion places they fell further behind league leaders Chelmsford as they were held to a frustrating draw, failing to pick up the final two wickets needed for victory.

The visitors batted first on a good track at Harrow Lodge Park and posted an excellent looking 288-5 from their allotted overs.

It firmly put the nightmare of the previous week's display with the willow against Shenfield behind them.

A magnificent innings of 139 from Sam Kirnon made up the bulk of the runs, while skipper Shaun McMurray (pictured) made a valuable contribution with a fine half century.

Chingford's attack, led by the ever reliable Niraj Odedra (5-72), made inroads into the hosts' order.

Robert Rollins offered the main resistance with an excellent knock of 101.

But despite spinner Angelo Bass also picking up a couple of wickets, some poor fielding, which resulted in a few dropped catches allowed Hornchurch to hold on as the Forestsiders just couldn't pick off the last couple of home batsman.

Chingford still managed to pick up 11 points for their efforts, but leaders Chelmsford extended their lead at the top with a victory against Woodford Well's, while third placed Upminster also closed the gap on McMurray's men with a victory over Hutton.

Reflecting on events Chingford skipper McMurray said: "After being skittled out for just 62 the previous week, this was a much better performance with the bat, and it was just a shame that a couple of dropped catches cost us."