Essex won the toss and batted but were soon in trouble as Tim "Dial M" Murtagh dismissed Westley and Flower early on with big swing away from the bat.

Some wayward bowling from Finn and Nannes saw a partial recovery,before Finny found a good one to dismiss Gallian.

Boppy and Pettini took further advantage and looked to be righting the ship.   They lunched at 118-3 and bad light soon after caused a 25 minute delay.

But then the fun really started as Essex collapsed dramatically.   Seven wickets fell in no time as Murts from the nursery end made the ball talk,well supported by Gareth "The Iceman" Berg, Essex succumbed with little fight.

A sixfer for The Dialler was due reward for accurate and clever bowling,but most encouraging of all was the fielding and catching which showed vast improvement.

Ten catches were taken,including brilliant diving efforts from Scotty and Malan and none went down.
161 all out was more than we could ever had hoped for.

Overhead cloud persisted when we batted,but the opposing attack failed to exploit the still helpful conditions.

Getting well forward both openers nullified the effect of the new ball and the captain looked in good nick as he stroked the ball through the covers.

Billy adopted a more cautious approach,Ed eventually fell for 37,but Ace and Billy saw us safely through to an early close as the light once more closed in.

We can be well pleased with the day's work.  

On a personal note I arrived early with some business to attend to and was warmly greeted by members of the committee,some of whom even shook me by the hand.  Sadly I seem to have upset a few of the rebels with my remarks on here.  It was never my intention to cause offence and I apologise to them if any was taken.

I spent time in the Pav, in Q [Editor's note - it has only been renamed the Allen Stand for 20 years or so], in the mound and up at the nursery, much comment was forthcoming about recent events, some in support of an EGM, but of course the majority against.

Still not a day for petitions and politic-ing [Editor's note - you raised the subject, LB] ,but one of much satisfaction at a job well done. 

A determined spirit was demonstrated by all today and long may it continue.