Scorecard (for Harry to frame)

After an easy win against Clogham’s last week, Stortford Thirds faced more of a challenge at Takeley Firsts. The home openers began well but were restricted by some tight bowling. Takeley skipper Adrian Phillips grafted well for his 68 and the tail wagged, led by Andy Osbourne’s 42. Hugh Williams was again the pick of the bowlers with 3-33 from his 10, while Graeme Sumner suffered a little but got 3-56 in the process.
The total of 235-8 looked imposing but was well within the grasp of a very good Stortford batting line-up. The returning Sam Kightly set the tone with a measured 44, putting on 92 with skipper Harry Barrett. The Stortford Captain was then joined by Tom Makin (26), who batted intelligently as the junior partner while Barrett flayed the home attack. Barrett went on to a magnificent 131 not out as he led his side to a six wicket victory and maintained third place in the HECL Division 2.