Weekend 26th-27th May

ACE ABBOTT FIRES CANVEY

Saturday 
Rankins 2                   97 all out
Canvey Island 1          98 for 4             
Canvey won by 6 wickets 

Canvey strolled to an easy victory over an out-classed Rankins side on Saturday at Smallgains. Canvey were always in the driving seat from the third ball of the game when Russell Abbott claimed the first of his three wickets. With only 10 runs coming from his 12-over spell Abbott along with the three wickets Abbott was the pick of the Canvey pacemen. He was ably assisted by Phil Walker, who also claimed three cheap wickets as only one Rankins batsman managed double figures. Wicketkeeper Bates scored a defiant 63 and if it hadn't been for him Canvey would have been left chasing an even smaller target. As it was, Peter Cook (27 n.o.) and Peter Reed (25) finished off the game in quick time to give Canvey two wins out of two in the league.

                       HIGGINS HITS THE BAR

Bentley 3                      228 for 6
Canvey Island 2           168 all out            
Canvey lost by 60 runs

 Dave Higgins provided the highlight of the high-scoring game with Bentley when he deposited the ball into the local pub. The mammoth hit was part of an agricultural innings of 22 that threatened to bring off an unlikely victory for the Islanders. With Higgins and Neil Trundle (48) at the crease anything was possible, but both men fell in quick succession, rendering John Scammell's earlier 73 academic. Scammell's brilliant innings came in reply to the large total posted by Bentley, who benefitted from decent contributions all throughout the order. Helped by some dubious umpiring decisions they were able to top the 200-mark despite three wickets from Trundle, and a tight spell from veteran Terry Castille (2 for 32).

CANVEY DENIED BY BENFLEET YOUNGSTERS

Sunday
Canvey Island              131 for 9
Benfleet 2                     98 for 9          
Match drawn

 Stubborn lower-order resistance from a young Benfleet side denied Canvey victory in a game that looked destined to go their way with the last pair at the crease and eight overs of the game still remaining. Tight bowling by Rob Eve (2 for 4), Sam Ing (2 for 21) and John Gunn (2 for 0) looked to have swung the match Canvey's way, and when Lee Banks removed dangerman R.Steed during a spell of 3 for 20 it looked like Canvey had done enough. However, a mixture of luck and good technique saw Benfleet hang on for the draw. The backbone of Canvey's earlier effort was provided by Paul Ward (35) and Darren Wainer (25), aided by a lusty display of hitting from Rob Eve (29 n.o.).