Bentley enjoyed a mixed day across their three Saturday league fixtures on June 27, with a commanding Second XI win at Benfleet, a fighting First XI draw at home to Westcliff-on-Sea, and a narrow Third XI defeat at Old Chelmsfordians.
At Bentley, the First XI dug deep to claim a battling draw against Westcliff-on-Sea in Hamro Foundation Essex League Division 2. Having won the toss, Bentley invited the visitors to bat and Westcliff took full advantage, piling up an above-par 296 for 9 declared from their 50 overs.
Overseas player Shukla led the way with a fine 102, well supported by Patel’s 51 as the pair underpinned the Westcliff innings. Bentley’s attack kept plugging away, with 16-year-old Mytchel Mannas impressing with 2 for 15 from five overs, Phil Coleman taking 2 for 46 in six, and 17-year-old spinner Luke Whitbourn returning 3 for 52 from nine overs.
Chasing 297 in 45 overs, Bentley slipped into trouble at 88 for 4 and faced an uphill task. However, 17-year-old Dylan Hammond produced a superb maiden league century, finishing 102 not out with 12 fours and 3 sixes to transform the mood of the chase. He received crucial support from Ryan Barker, who struck 37 with five boundaries, and Tom Mann, who added a brisk 28 with three fours and two sixes as Bentley moved to safety.
The hosts eventually closed on 232 for 7, Hammond anchoring the reply to secure a hard-earned draw after earlier Westcliff pressure.
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Bentley Seconds recorded a comfortable 56-run victory away at Benfleet II in Hamro Foundation Essex League Second XI Division 3.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, they posted a solid 211 for 9 declared from their 50 overs. The innings was dominated by half-centuries from Richard Redman, who made 58 with nine fours, and captain Marc Carter, who compiled 51 with five boundaries to give Bentley a strong platform.
For the hosts, Fren Shaw delivered the standout spell, taking 3 for 50 from 16 overs to keep a check on the scoring.
In reply, Benfleet II struggled to build lasting partnerships and were bowled out for 155 in 34.3 overs of their allotted 41.
Bentley’s bowlers shared the wickets, with 15-year-old spinner Harrison Pulford the pick of the attack, claiming 4 for 57 from 12 overs. He was well supported by seamer Martin Smith, who returned a tight 2 for 19 from six overs to maintain control.
Set Carson top-scored for Benfleet with 44, but his efforts could not prevent Bentley securing a convincing away success.
Bentley Thirds slipped to a 25-run defeat away to Old Chelmsfordians III in T.
Rippon Mid Essex League Division 7 despite encouraging performances from their young attack. The hosts won the toss, chose to bat and posted 225 all out, built around strong contributions from Davies, who struck 77, and Kulshreshtha, who added 70.
Bentley’s bowlers stuck to their task, with 13-year-old Archie Giles returning an excellent 3 for 35 from nine overs and 14-year-old Ethan Deluxson also taking 3 for 59 in his nine-over spell.
Chasing 226 for victory, Bentley III finished on 200 for 6 from their 45 overs and fell just short. Ross Marder top-scored with 43, while Syed Shah added 37 as they tried to keep the chase on track.
Despite their efforts, Old Chelmsfordians’ total proved just beyond reach, with Davies completing a fine all-round display by taking 2 for 12 with the ball. It left Bentley to reflect on a competitive showing and promising displays from their younger players on a day of mixed fortunes for the club.
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