This result was based on a very strong batting performance. The new look opening pair of Joe and Ben were in excellent form hitting 3s at ease against a not to shabby attack including one of the stronger bowlers in Essex. They put on 60 not out for the first week and both retired with just 4 full over bowled, it was littered with some very impressive stroke play from both of them. This gave Charlie and opportunity to find his feet after being out of the game for a while. There was an unfortunate mis understanding and Henry was run out early. However Charlie, Remi and Dan Clarke kept on the onslaught and included some ferocious boundary hitting. They put the team first at the expense of there wickets. this enabled the two openers to cup back and continue the batting rampage. Ben was caught at Mid On trying one more big shot. However Joe kept on going to ensure a very impressive target for Loughton.

Following his batting set back he was no mood to slip up again and bowled an excellent tight first over in which there was some quick reactions from Danial to get our first wicket with a sharp run out . More was to come with Henry bowling their number 3 bat first ball and all in the first over. The Lion showed their depth in bowling with all the boys bowling and applying significant pressure. Spin bowlers rely more than most on good fielding and were not surprisingly not let down by the safe hands of Charlie Dobinson who took two catches for Ben and Joe. Remi kept well as this part of his game continues to improve. Loughton did rally a bit, with the last pair but were never really in the game and we run out comfortable winners.

Nice positive chat to start the year and remind this group how much potential which will need to be realised if they are going to get significant success indoors and outdoors in 2017, in what is a very competitive age group.