Havering captain expecting tough test against South Weald
Havering-atte-Bower's Dan Beechey in bowling action against Burnham Sports (pic: Gavin Ellis/TGS Photo). - Credit: Gavin Ellis/TGS Photo
Last weekend’s win over Rayleigh Fairview has boosted spirits at Broxhill Road
Anthony Downes is hoping to see Havering-atte-Bower show their full potential against T-Rippon Mid-Essex League Division Two promotion rivals South Weald.
The two clubs will do battle this weekend at Broxhill Road and the hosts know only a win will be able to keep alive their hopes of going up this season.
An inconsistent middle period of the year has seen Havering fall to fourth in the table and they are now 48 points off second-placed South Weald.
“Saturday will be a tough game, but I think we have a side capable of beating them on our day and we just need to perform on the day,” said Downes.
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“We have some decent batting and bowling options and quite an even side, so hopefully we can give them a good game again.”
The previous meeting on June 9 saw Havering smash 334-4 and then dismiss South Weald for 216 to claim an outstanding victory.
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Since the impressive away win, Downes’ side have struggled for form and lost five of their last eight fixtures.
Havering did pick up a victory last weekend, however, at home to Rayleigh Fairview after a solid display with both bat and ball.
The hosts posted 238-9 off their 45 overs and then dismissed the visitors for 123 inside 30 overs.
“It was a decent performance,” said Downes. “We lost a couple of wickets early and one of our guys to injury as well.
“Jack Hurley got hit on the arm and had to go to hospital. He might be out for a week or two, but I don’t think there is any lasting damage thankfully.
“We lost him, but Dane Attard batted at four and got a very nice 63 and everyone else chipped in, then Matt Creevy hit 41 not out at the end to push us onto 238-9.”
After setting Rayleigh 239 to win, Havering made light work of their bowling innings with Tom Hine impressing.
Downes: “We had most of our main bowlers available and I opened up with Tom Hine and Tom took four wickets and went through the top of their order.
“James Walker chipped in with a couple and Dan Beechey had interesting bowling stats because he bowled six overs, five maidens and claimed 1-1!
“We had a few decent run-outs as well, so 123 all out was a decent all-round effort. We fielded well and held onto our catches this time, so it was a big improvement from previous matches.”
