Exning 1st XI 121

Maldon 1st XI 124-5

Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division two

GIVEN Maldon’s domination of division two this season, relegation candidates Exning had little hope when they played at Drapers Farm on Saturday.

Having lost the toss, Maldon were made to field and struggled to pick up a wicket in the opening overs, but they were ruthlessly economical.

It was left to Ian Elliott (two for 61) to remove openers Simon Allen (15) and Peter Woods (18) before Reece O’Connell (five for 23) came on to take his weekly quota of wickets.

O Lawson (58) was the only batsman to provide any discernible threat to Maldon but he was unable to get back in his crease before Jimmy Ainscough removed the bails to stump him.

With O’Connell removing the middle order for barely any runs, Gary Bannister finished the job exceptionally with a triple-wicket maiden.

Maldon knew they had a very meagre total to chase down and did so with relative ease.

Chris Harris (16) was unfortunately bowled by Simon Lawson (two for 34) and Matt Wild followed for only two.

Jimmy Ainscough (eight) scored slowly but was able to provide support for O’Connell (54) as he added another 50 to the collection in addition to his first innings five-for.

The loss of wickets did not trouble a deep-batting Maldon as Bannister contributed 14 and Elliott and Pete Wargent made an unbeaten 11 and 13 respectively to carry their side to another victory.

Maldon retain their comprehensive lead at the top of division two and are due to play mid-table East Bergholt next week.