Walsh’s third century is the key to timely victory

Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division one

(Mistley won by 65 runs)

JARRYD Walsh provided the catalyst for Mistley’s return to winnings ways, after registering his third century of the season.

On a day perfect for cricket, spectators at New Road were treated to warm sunshine and some wonderful batting during the early afternoon.

Walsh continued to impress, with his stylish strokeplay and appetite for runs.

With home skipper Daniel Goff winning the toss for the seventh time out of eight, he had no hesitation in electing to bat first on another cracking surface.

Openers Graeme Butcher and Walsh strode to the wicket looking to add to what has so far been a plentiful partnership.

It all looked to be going smoothly, with the pair making serene progress.

Butcher produced three well-timed boundaries from opening bowler Jermaine Shillingford and Walsh exuded his customary calm authority at the crease.

However, a change of bowling did the trick for the visitors.

With just his second ball, Ian Moreton nipped one back through the gate of Butcher’s attempted drive.

Harry Parkes came out and built another handy partnership with Walsh, before falling to the same bowler lbw.

Things were evenly poised at this stage with the score at 76 for two and the run-rate a little under four an over.

However, the third wicket brought about a marvellous century partnership and swung the game firmly in the home side’s favour.

The returning Ben Allday, fresh from university, showed real poise at the crease in his first game since last August.

Left-handed talisman Walsh manoeuvred the ball to the vacant parts of the outfield with aplomb, taking risks while compiling another wonderful hundred.

This one will have been particularly pleasing for the popular South African, being the first to come in a winning cause.

Opposing captain Nick Patel captured the prize scalp – the first of four late wickets – as Walsh presented a catch to Shillingford at point, leaving the field to applause but bitterly disappointed not to end with some fireworks.

Shortly after, Allday notched up a well-crafted fifty, knocking the ball around and finding the gaps beautifully.

However, after reaching his milestone, he fell next ball and then more home batsmen perished in the search for quick runs.

Captain Goff departed after a bright cameo, caught on the long-off boundary, and some minor contributions from others down the order meant Mistley finished 249 for eight.

This was a little shy of their target at the 40-over mark, but a more than competitive total nonetheless.

The game was almost sewn up within the first couple of overs of the second innings.

Jason Pembroke and Damien Smith followed up their impressive opening at Halstead with an even more explosive start here.

Pembroke swung a delicious delivery through the in-form Shayne Moseley’s defences first ball.

Smith then got in on the action in the next over, with Joe Fowler edging through to wicketkeeper James Garwood.

Moreton came out and decided to fight fire with fire, thrashing 18 from an over.

However, after being bowled by Smith, the game was up for the Seasiders, leaving them 23 for three.

Sam Brynes made 62.

However, Tim Scott and his immaculate line and length also contributed to the slow progress in the middle overs.

The game did end with a slight flourish, as young James Butcher came in at number eight to play an innings easy on the eye.

He took advantage of the wide open spaces as Mistley looked for maximum points, while Shillingford deposited three huge sixes into the churchyard.

It was all in vain, though, as the hosts completing a comfortable victory by 65 runs.