Very good report Ilford Eagle. Sounds as if you were there, braving the elements.
Those plucky few fans encountering all sorts of hurdles, will certainly have thought it all worth it. Could not be more pleased for them.
Don’t you just love biased pundits getting it so wrong, especially on Sky for all to see.
I would agree on paper, Lancs looked stronger side, having won their group very convincingly.
However paper does not win matches, momentum and experience does.
A very important toss to win, and despite the Davies-Vilas stand, we never let them get completely away, by taking wickets regularly, but the target still looked challenging.
Fair to say, that we had the rub of the green, hooray hooray, the Maxwell decision was key as he looked in very good touch and if he had stayed, likely to take the game away from us.
Sky could not wait to explain what a difference the rain had made, with the ball coming on to the bat better, and poor Lancs having to deal with a wet ball. Shame.They are probably more used to a wet ball than any other county, apart from Glamorgan, maybe.
Essex In their innings, demonstrated how to pace an innings, constantly threatened by Duckworth Lewis, and realised only too well, the importance of keeping up with the rate from the start.
Hats off to Delport for ensuring we were always well in touch with DL, even though he has often flattered to deceive. Key players need to perform in important matches and perform he did. Well played.
We came into this match with momentum, something Sky seemed to completely ignore although they did acknowledge we have dangerous experienced players.
Well, skill and experience in the shape of Ravi and Ryan, snatched victory from Lancs with a marvellous partnership, with Ravi excelling with his four sixes, and punishing big time, the calamitous decision to bowl Livingstone for the 19th over. Big post mortem methinks in the Lancs dressing room.
Ryan, not having the greatest of seasons, yet again showed how we will miss him in all formats of the game. Perfect foil for Ravi, who has enjoyed probably one of the best fortnights in his cricketing career. Nothing beats experience.
We are peaking at the right time and should fear no one, although the absence of Delport is significant. This is T20. Anything can happen and generally does. No one will relish facing Essex, due to our unpredictability. Can’t wait.
Not exactly eating humble pie about Beard, but he bowled with spirit and heart, taking two key wickets. Essex obviously believe in him, he is young and can only improve, one hopes. Well done.
I was so fearful of the night, but what a joyous end.
