Thorley lost by just eight runs at Takeley in Tees Herts & Essex Border League, Division One on Saturday (July 18), writes Josh Tingley.

They were asked to bowl after losing the toss and Tom Pickles took a wicket in the second over to set the standard for the rest of the game.

Adam Cooper then took three wickets in eight overs and Chris Carter claimed four victims from just 4.4 overs as Takeley were removed for 203.

Cooper also did well with the bat as he made 32 and Isaac Waters fell just three runs shy of a half-century.

Sean Pack smashed 27 runs off 16 balls to give Thorley a real chance, but they fell just short on 195-9.

The second team were involved in a tied game when they entertained Dunmow III in Division Three.

The hosts set a relatively low 166 all out as Cameron Clark, Mithun Karimbal, Owen Waters and Craig Dellow all picked up wickets.

Syful Islam carried his bat for 90 in reply and had support from Dom Walkley (22), but they were on 166-8 when their 40 overs ran out as it ended all square.

The Sunday League team lost by 69 runs at home to South Loughton, who posted 286-6.

Waters (103no) completed an unbelievable weekend with his maiden ton while Josh Tingley added 26 as Thorley closed on 217-9.