Scorecard

Harry Barrett's Thirds were put in to bat by an unbeaten and energetic Epping Foresters First X1. Tom Makin looked good until he skied a full toss that may already have been a no-ball for height. But Tim Lucas again proved the backbone of the Stortford innings. making a careful and stylish 56, well supported by Ian Searle with 23, Graeme Smith (21) and Dave Hardcastle (20). 178-8 was ok, but might prove difficult to defend if Foresters batted with as much enthusiasm as they had fielded.

Things looked good for Stortford when Cludes took two wickets in two balls, but Andy French started to consolidate for the visitors and their chase looked promising despite 2 wickets for Hugh Williams to good catches from Harry and Vipes. At drinks Epping appeared to be cruising, they needed about 40 with six wickets in hand. But the young home pace attack were fired up. Tom Makin bowled French for a strong 84 and the scene was set for the 17 year old destroyer, Rob Lovehalls, who was determined to make up for an imperfect opening spell. Foresters still going well, needing 25 from 18 overs with 5 wickets in hand. On comes Rob, bowls full, straight and fast, sending several batsmen apparently looking to hide behind the square leg umpire, and takes 4 wickets ( all bowled) for 12 edgy runs in 2.2 overs, Tom Makin meanwhile snaps up another, (caught by Lovehalls) and the game is over. Stortford won by 6 runs.