When news came through the wires at about 10.30am that the legendary Bob Wood had been rested the Pinks self belief and confidence cranked up to max. 

The home side batted first and immediately you could see that Rosaneri were bang up for it. Big Mike Freeman opened the bowling and bowled beautifully in an 8 over stint to return 2 for 20. Marcus bowled well at the other end and the runs were always under control. 

The fielding was sharp and the run rate was virtually strangled. Skipper Rose mixed up the bowling and managed to bowl the right people at the right times to force North Weald to declare after 43 overs on 162 for 9. 

The pick of the bowling was Gmul’s 2 for 16 off 4 overs at the death. 

The only down side of the innings was the massive blow Mat Freeman took to the side of the head when fielding at silly mid on. Amazingly he remained conscious but he did have to leave the field for a rest. It must be noted that North Weald graciously provided a sub fielder. 

The Rosaneri reply got off to an aggressive start with Mr Bell and Kev blasting away at Bob Willis from the very first ball. Kev holed out early on, but Sinders came in to steady the ship and build a nice partnership with Mr Bell. 

A couple of quick wickets then put the home team on top before Robsie and Adam Jones settled things down with fine defensive techniques to see off a brilliant spell of stump bowling. Robsie Tavare ground out 32 consecutive dot balls before finally getting off the mark. 

Stability and control had returned before Adam and Jim looked to kick on and get the game won. Things really gathered pace when Adam opened up and played some glorious strokes reminiscent of a vintage David Gower. Cruelly the end came for Adam on 48, but Jim worked hard with Nick to get the run rate down to an even more than manageable level. 

With 6 overs to go the Pinks needed only 6 an over with wickets in hand. However, a steady flow of wickets and most crucially the loss of Nick meant that Rosaneri had to block out for the draw. 

Mat Freeman with the fighting spirit of Terry Butcher bravely controlled the closing proceedings, with Gmul doing a sterling job at the other end. Even the bounding in Bob Willis with his hair in full flow could not dislodge the brave resistance. 

The draw was secured and a fabulous advert for cricket was completed.