Canvey Island Cricket Club Results

Weekend 21^st – 22^nd September 2002 

Saturday    
Wickford           181-6
Canvey Island    185-1      
Canvey won by 9 wickets 

You wouldn’t think that stepping straight off a trans-Atlantic flight would be the best preparation for a stint at the batting crease, but this was exactly what Paul Ward did for Canvey prior to smashing a match-winning ton. Ward compiled his ninth century of an unforgettable season, batting again in tandem with John Scammell. Scammell hit his third score of fifty or more in his last three innings on his way to an unbeaten 57. However, it was Ward (105 not out) who was the undoubted star, unleashing his trademark drives and pulls, and generally demoralising the Wickford attack. One moment of luck occurred when he was dropped on the line on 96, another predictable episode in his saga of outrageous fortune. Ward also proved a catalyst in the field, with the team initially struggling to make inroads into the Wickford line-up. Three wickets fell almost immediately Ward arrived, and Canvey never looked back. Both John Gunn and Dave Shroder bowled well to claim two wickets apiece, but it was Ward who had the final say in this game.

Sunday   
Canvey Island         198-7
Wextable                175-9

Darren Wainer provided the main source of excitement on Sunday, bagging his second five wicket haul of the season, and leading Canvey to victory in the process. Wextable had looked fairly comfortable in the opening overs of their run-chase and were challenging the Canvey total until Wainer entered the attack. He immediately ripped out the entire middle order, ending any remaining Wextable resistance. The Canvey innings had earlier been built round some of the lesser names in the team, who took the opportunity to show just what they can do. Paul Synnott started things off with a quickfire 36, followed by Ricky Broadmore (28) and Glenn Eckett (20) who both hit career best scores. Relieved of bowling duties Eckett excelled with the bat, smacking to glorious boundaries, one over midwicket will stay long in the memory. Paul Ward chipped in with 40 towards the end of the innings from only 30 balls to maintain the momentum. Having failed with the bat though Wainer certainly made amends with the ball.